The latest update of fall armyworm finds and response in New Zealand in the 2023/24 season.
Since the last update on the 5th April 2024, there has been one new confirmed find. In the 2023/24 growing season, there have been 111 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, with a large moth flight being recorded this week. Maize grain remains to be harvested in multiple locations with varying reports of cob/kernel damage.
- Gisborne has recorded two FAW finds to date this season, there have been no reports from Hawkes Bay.
- In the South Island there have been multiple finds found on the West Coast, Tasman, Marlborough and Canterbury this season. Most silage crops have been harvested with grain harvests still to come. A significant rain event may have disrupted the pupation and early instar stages of some localised populations.
- Reports from Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Waikato are generally coastal, again most if not all silage crops have 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. This means it is important to scout neighbouring paddocks, as, in the absence of maize and sweetcorn, FAW will feed on a large variety of crops. Volunteer maize is another preferred FAW host.
- Your observations are important. Please record them and inform us; without them, it is hard to validate and develop the modelling work we are doing.
- The insecticide Sparta® is on label for aerial and ground applications for controlling fall armyworm on maize and sweetcorn crops. Consult your advisor.