An egg mass of the serious pest fall armyworm has been identified in Tauranga.
Biosecurity New Zealand is working with primary sector and Te Tiriti partners, including FAR, after a fall army worm egg mass was found in Tauranga. Surveillance is underway, but at this stage, there is no evidence of an established population.
Fall armyworm is a serious pest of many arable crops and found around the world, including Australia. It has been on FAR's biosecurity risk radar for the past couple of years.
Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson said the fall armyworm was predicted to arrive in New Zealand some time in the next five years, either as a hitchhiker on air or sea cargo, or being blown in from Australia via strong winds. He says that while it is unlikely to establish in New Zealand, and can be controlled with a range of agrichemicals already in use in here, Biosecurity New Zealand and its industry partners are taking a cautious approach.
“Our risk analysis found it would struggle to establish here as areas with preferred hosts do not necessarily have the correct climate to suit fall armyworm. It is a tropical species that thrives in very warm climates. If it was required, the moth can be treated with several products, many of which are already used in New Zealand for other kinds of pests.
“This moth has been on our radar for some time, and we have worked closely with our primary sector partners on keeping it out through things like importing requirements on risk goods, as well as encouraging growers to remain vigilant for signs of the pest.
“We're committed to working with sector and Te Tiriti partners to decide next steps. Its important people report any findings to us and call our exotic pests and diseases line on 0800 80 99 66 or report online https://report.mpi.govt.nz/pest/.”