Fall armyworm finds have been confirmed in several locations across Northland, find out more in this fall armyworm update.
Key points:
- Current status: 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.
- 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.
- 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.