The 2023/24 growing season has 0 confirmed reports to date.
- There was a total of 140 confirmed reports of FAW across NZ during the response period before the industry-led transition to long-term management began on Friday 21st April 2023.
- Winter trap monitoring and scouting in Northland and West Coast have shown no moths or obvious signs of larvae overwintering.
- Multiple early sweetcorn crops in Northland have been identified, with surveillance ramping up as cloches are removed.
- A decent weather window in Northland should allow some growers to get Maize crops in the ground in the next week. Earlier planted crops are less likely to suffer significant economic loss as early-season FAW populations are yet to build up multi-generational numbers.
- As temperatures increase, the life cycle will begin to speed up with any winter larvae that have survived pupating, and early moths laying egg masses. Being observant at this early stage is important, the earlier FAW is identified the likelier effective management will be achieved. Newly hatched neonates are 1.5mm in length, windowing on leaves showing their presence. As they grow to 1st instar larvae, they will disperse to surrounding host plants.
- Observations are important, please record them and inform us.
- The insecticide Sparta® is on label for aerial and ground applications for controlling Fall Armyworm on maize and sweetcorn crops. Consult with your advisor and avoid the use of insecticides that are ineffective on Fall Armyworm and potentially harmful to beneficial insects such as parasitic wasp Cotesia sp. which will help contain the numbers.
Photo: Early Sweetcorn crops under soon-to-be-removed cloches in Northland. These healthy early crops will be the obvious place for the early adults to lay this season's first egg masses.
Photo: Any volunteer maize should be observed, these plants will be potential targets for overwintering and early season larvae.
Photo: FAW Neonate and 1st instar larvae windowing damage. This damage is likely to be in localised areas across the paddock so adopt a rigorous paddock scouting plan while crops are low and easy to walk.
We can assume that adult moths will soon begin emerging, flying and laying the first egg masses of the 23/24 season in the Northland region. First reports are important to identify the season of first-generation larvae. Data from FAW reporting is key to validating and strengthening our existing Phenological modelling.
What to do if you find Fall Armyworm
Photograph it: It can be easily mistaken for other species, so if you suspect Fall armyworm, take a good quality photo, and be sure to include the head, body and rear of the larvae. This can be in multiple photos if necessary. This great guide from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will help How to take a photo of FAW_24Mar20 (thebeatsheet.com.au)
Catch it: Samples will be welcomed and are important for positive identification and testing.
Contact us: Contact the Foundation for Arable Research at FAR@far.or.nz or biosecurity officer Ash Mills at ashley.mills@far.org.nz
Consult the FAR website for the latest resources and identification guides
FAR Research | Welcome to the Foundation for Arable Research
Listed below are useful updates, tools and guides on detection and identification.
FAR Research | Fall armyworm identification and background
86d44eb4-7d19-5ce5-befe-4dd32eeca38c.pdf (far.org.nz)