FAW has been found in two Canterbury sweetcorn paddocks. In all, there have been 108 confirmed reports from Northland, Westland, Tasman, Bay of Plenty, Auckland, Waikato, Marlborough, and now Canterbury, in the 2023/24 growing season.
Key points:
• Northland FAW populations are generally small, with some localised areas of higher damage. Consistent moth captures, although small in number, show the potential of growth rate variation within generations and possible fly-ins from other areas.
• Gisborne has recorded two FAW finds to date this season, there have been no reports from Hawkes Bay.
• In the South Island, FAW has recently been found in North Canterbury sweetcorn. An older find, in a similar location, has also been confirmed as FAW. There are multiple finds found on the West Coast, Tasman and Marlborough. Most larvae have pupated and these are starting to emerge. More moths have been caught and larvae are being reared for confirmation.
• Reports from Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Waikato are generally coastal, Suspect moths from Manawatū-Whanganui will be identified via DNA testing.
• 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.
• Parasitism of FAW by the parasitic wasp Cotesia spp, is being observed across the country along with assistance from other beneficials.
• 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.