• Our Research
    • Research Strategy
    • Research Sites
    • Current Research Projects
    • Research Results
    • Research Collaborations
    • Research Resources
    • Seed Industry Research Centre
    Current Research
    Current Research
    Research Results
    Research Results
  • Resources
    • Biosecurity
    • Crop Action
    • Nutrient Management
    • Maize
    • Templates and Calculators
    • Podcast
    • Cereals
    • Weeds
    • Pests
    • Seeds
    • Diseases
    • News
    • Environment
    • Schools
    Podcast
    Podcast
    Environment and Compliance
    Environment and Compliance
  • Levies & Returns
    • Arable Crops Levy
    • Maize Levy
    • Cereal Silage Levy
    • Farmer Annual Return Form
    • Wholesaler Annual Return Form
    Levies
    Levies
    Annual Returns
    Annual Returns
  • Events
  • News
  • About Us
    • Governance and growers
    • Business Strategy
    • Our People
    • Careers
    • Growers Leading Change
    • Women in Arable
    • Arable Ys
    • Arable Kids
    • Arable Research Groups (ARGs)
    Our People
    Our People
    Growers Leading Change
    Growers Leading Change
  • Ask FAR AI
  • Weather
  • Log In
Ask FAR AI
Weather
Log In
  • Homepage
  • Resources
  • Fall Armyworm Update 10 May 2024

Fall armyworm update 10 May 2024

10 May 2024
Read PDF Online

The latest update of fall armyworm finds and response in New Zealand in the 2023/24 season.

Key points

Since the last update on the 19th of April 2024, there have been two new confirmed finds, both from Northland. In the 2023/24 growing season, there have been 113 confirmed reports from Northland, Westland, Tasman, Bay of Plenty, Auckland, Waikato, Marlborough, and Canterbury.

  • Northland FAW moth flights are still being observed in pheromone traps consistently, however moth numbers are falling. Adult FAW have the potential to travel significant distances in one flight, and in the absence of maize they may travel inter-regionally to seek suitable locations to mate and initiate the next generation. If you have been monitoring traps, please keep checking them even after your crop has been harvested.
  • Many susceptible crops around the country have been harvested (or are close to harvest) meaning a reduction in FAW’s preferred food source.
  • Maize grain crops are still at risk, FAW larvae will typically enter the cob through the side, unlike Corn earworm (Helicoverpa armigera) which enter via the silks and the top of the cob. Observations of population dynamics and kernel damage will be beneficial to help develop NZ-specific economic damage thresholds.
  • As temperatures are decreasing, the life cycle has begun to slow, and along with a reduction in surveillance, it is important to stay vigilant and scout harvested and any neighbouring paddocks as FAW will predate a large variety of crops. In NZ they have been observed on ryegrass and clover in a harvested maize paddock. Crop residues should not be overlooked, neither should any volunteer maize that may emerge in the coming weeks or months.
  • FAW will feed on a large variety of crops in the absence of maize and sweetcorn, research has shown they will happily travel to an acceptable alternate host.
  • The insecticide Sparta® is on label for aerial and ground applications for controlling fall armyworm on maize and sweetcorn crops. Consult your advisor.

At this date last year there were 139 fall armyworm finds nationwide, including Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Taranaki and Canterbury.

Read the full update here. 

Downloads

  • FALL ARMYWORM UPDATE 8th May 2024 428.683 KB

Related Resources

22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update: 4 April 2025

Find out regional information on Fall armyworm as of April 4 2025.

Read more
22 May 2025

Blackgrass and fall armyworm levy update

Seed and Grain Readiness and Response Incorporated (“SGRR”) is a biosecurity entity for the arable sector. It was established in 2020 under the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity (GIA). It is currently collecting levies to cover the costs of the two biosecurity incursions, black grass and fall armyworm. 

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update: 14 March 2025

Check out the latest fall armyworm update here. 

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update, 14 February 2025

Current status: FAW populations continue to develop across New Zealand. Northland awaits the third main moth flight of the season, with the key time for scouting and decision-making approaching. Maize grain and sweetcorn growers should be particularly vigilant during this period.

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update: 31 January, 2025

Fall armyworm numbers continue to rise as the season progresses, with the top half of Northland in particular beginning to see levels that would require chemical intervention. Read more in this week's update.

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update, 17 January, 2025

FAW second generation begins. This update provides the latest regional findings, pest dynamics, and management recommendations.

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update, 13 December 2024

Fall armyworm has been found at one property, in a sweetcorn crop near Nelson. Further finds have been confirmed in several locations across Northland. Contact your local agronomist for advice as local knowledge is key to effective management.

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update 22 November, 2024

Fall armyworm finds have been confirmed in several locations across Northland, find out more in this fall armyworm update. 

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update, 1 November 2024

Fall armyworm updates are back for the 2024/25 season. Read it here. 

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update 19 April 2024

The latest update of fall armyworm finds and response in New Zealand in the 2023/24 season. 

Read more

Ask FAR AI

Discover the power of AI with Ask FAR. Our new intelligent tool provides instant, accurate answers to your questions by searching the vast resources on the FAR website and linking you to the original document for further information. It’s fast, easy and reliable.

Start Chatting
  • Research
  • Levies and Returns
  • Resources
  • Events
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • Schools
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use

©2022 Foundation for Arable Research