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.
Key points:
- Current status: One confirmed report in Nelson and multiple confirmed reports of fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda), across the Far North. Contact your local agronomist for support, local knowledge is key to effective management.
- Crop monitoring: Scout your crops as often as possible, monitoring existing infestations and looking for FAW crop damage in regions not known to have FAW yet this season. Scouting is the number one effective tool for identifying pests and safeguarding your crops.
- Identify your pests: If you need help identifying pest damage or larvae then please get in touch, refer to resources on the FAR website or contact your agronomist.
- Natural controls: Cotesia ruficrus, spiders, and other predators remain key allies in managing FAW populations. These are widespread throughout New Zealand.
- Other maize pests: Cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) is causing a lot of damage across the North Island with many crops having to be replanted. Cosmopolitan armyworm (Mythimna separata) have been observed in small numbers, and some early corn earworm (Helicoverpa armigera) have also been spotted.
Also included in this update:
- Regional overview for the 2024/25 season
- Crop establishment and early whorl stage
- Supporting the SFFF project
- Key Progress
- What to do if you find FAW