The events and response surrounding Cyclone Gabrielle have taken priority this week, therefore fall armyworm confirmations have been updated but some regions will not have been scouted.
Key Points:
- Understandably the events and response surrounding Cyclone Gabrielle have taken priority, therefore fall armyworm confirmations have been updated this week but some regions will not have been scouted.
- Numbers of moths in Northland traps have increased again; larvae of varying instars have also been present in maize crops. This indicates varying fall armyworm generations present from now on.
- Since 1st September 2022 there have been 113 confirmed fall armyworm finds (this is the number of properties where the pest has been found, not the number of insects found).
- Maize and sweet corn crops in areas not affected by the cyclone should be scouted where possible and when safe to do so.
- There are no signs of fall armyworm yet in Canterbury, but some damage from other established noctuids were noted.
- The insecticide Sparta is on label for use on maize and sweetcorn crops.
- We are still in a response. All finds must be reported to MPI here or call 0800 80 99 66
- There are no negative consequences to growers for reporting, as this pest will not be controlled by removing crops.
Photo: Early and late instar fall armyworm larvae, courtesy G. Walker.
Please contact your local advisor for details on the safe use of this or any other insecticides on maize or sweetcorn.
Thresholds of economic damage:
Plant Health Australia provides useful guidance for this:
For the latest identification guides click here and MPI Website here, or contact Ivan Lawrie ivan.lawrie@far.org.nz
For other useful tools and guides on detection and identification, consult the FAR website.