As the long-term management phase begins it is important to remain vigilant and keep scouting any maize and neighboring paddocks.
Key points:
- As it is apparent fall armyworm (FAW) is unlikely to be eradicated in NZ, the FAW response has ended. The transition to a long-term management phase has been underway since Friday 21 April. This is an industry-led management transition.
- As the response has finished, the unwanted organism status of FAW has now been revoked, meaning it is not mandatory to report finds. However, significant observations are important, so please record them and inform us.
- Desperate mature females have been observed laying eggs on bucket traps in the North Island. In the absence of maize, egg masses can be on a range of structures, not just on vegetation.
- The life cycle of FAW has begun to slow as temperatures get colder.
- It is still important to stay vigilant and scout harvested and any neighbouring paddocks as FAW will target a large variety of crops. They have been observed on ryegrass and clover in a harvested maize paddock. Volunteer maize should not be overlooked either.
- Any information on new host plants will be welcomed as we begin to understand overwintering capabilities and green bridges.
- There is a total of 139 confirmed reports of FAW across NZ.
- The insecticide Sparta® is on label for aerial and ground applications for controlling FAW on maize and sweetcorn crops. Consult with your advisor.
- Avoid the use of insecticides that are ineffective on FAW and potentially harmful to beneficial insects such as parasitic wasp Cotesia sp. which will help contain the numbers.
For the latest identification guides click here and MPI Website here, or contact Ivan Lawrie ivan.lawrie@far.org.nz or Ash Mills ashley.mills@far.org.nz
For other useful tools and guides on detection and identification, consult the FAR website.
Thresholds of economic damage:
Photo: In the absence of maize, FAW females have been known to lay eggs in a variety of places, including traps.