• Our Research
    • Research Strategy
    • Research Sites
    • Current Research Projects
    • Research Results
    • Research Collaborations
    • Research Resources
    • Seed Industry Research Centre
    Current Research
    Current Research
    Research Results
    Research Results
  • Resources
    • Biosecurity
    • Crop Action
    • Nutrient Management
    • Maize
    • Templates and Calculators
    • Podcast
    • Cereals
    • Weeds
    • Pests
    • Seeds
    • Diseases
    • News
    • Environment
    • Schools
    Podcast
    Podcast
    Environment and Compliance
    Environment and Compliance
  • Levies & Returns
    • Arable Crops Levy
    • Maize Levy
    • Cereal Silage Levy
    • Farmer Annual Return Form
    • Wholesaler Annual Return Form
    Levies
    Levies
    Annual Returns
    Annual Returns
  • Events
  • News
  • About Us
    • Governance and growers
    • Business Strategy
    • Our People
    • Careers
    • Growers Leading Change
    • Women in Arable
    • Arable Ys
    • Arable Kids
    • Arable Research Groups (ARGs)
    Our People
    Our People
    Growers Leading Change
    Growers Leading Change
  • Ask FAR AI
  • Weather
  • Log In
Ask FAR AI
Weather
Log In
  • Homepage
  • Resources
  • Fall Armyworm Update 5 April 2024

Fall armyworm update 5 April 2024

05 April 2024
Read PDF Online

Read the latest fall armyworm update here.

Key points

Since the last update on 22 March 2024, there have been two new confirmed finds. In the 2023/24 growing season, there have been 110 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. Small numbers of FAW larvae are being observed along with other pest species within the same crops.
  • Gisborne two FAW finds to date this season, there have been no reports from Hawkes Bay.
  • In the South Island, FAW was found in North Canterbury sweetcorn. There have been multiple finds on the West Coast, Tasman and Marlborough. More moths have been caught and early instar larvae being observed in the sides of cobs.
  • Reports from Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Waikato are generally coastal.
  • 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.

Fall armyworm updates will continue fortnightly.

Read the full update here. 

Downloads

  • FALL ARMYWORM UPDATE 5th April 2024 464.588 KB

Related Resources

22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update: 4 April 2025

Find out regional information on Fall armyworm as of April 4 2025.

Read more
22 May 2025

Blackgrass and fall armyworm levy update

Seed and Grain Readiness and Response Incorporated (“SGRR”) is a biosecurity entity for the arable sector. It was established in 2020 under the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity (GIA). It is currently collecting levies to cover the costs of the two biosecurity incursions, black grass and fall armyworm. 

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update: 14 March 2025

Check out the latest fall armyworm update here. 

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update, 14 February 2025

Current status: FAW populations continue to develop across New Zealand. Northland awaits the third main moth flight of the season, with the key time for scouting and decision-making approaching. Maize grain and sweetcorn growers should be particularly vigilant during this period.

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update: 31 January, 2025

Fall armyworm numbers continue to rise as the season progresses, with the top half of Northland in particular beginning to see levels that would require chemical intervention. Read more in this week's update.

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update, 17 January, 2025

FAW second generation begins. This update provides the latest regional findings, pest dynamics, and management recommendations.

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update, 13 December 2024

Fall armyworm has been found at one property, in a sweetcorn crop near Nelson. Further finds have been confirmed in several locations across Northland. Contact your local agronomist for advice as local knowledge is key to effective management.

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update 22 November, 2024

Fall armyworm finds have been confirmed in several locations across Northland, find out more in this fall armyworm update. 

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update, 1 November 2024

Fall armyworm updates are back for the 2024/25 season. Read it here. 

Read more
22 May 2025

Fall armyworm update 10 May 2024

The latest update of fall armyworm finds and response in New Zealand in the 2023/24 season.

Read more

Ask FAR AI

Discover the power of AI with Ask FAR. Our new intelligent tool provides instant, accurate answers to your questions by searching the vast resources on the FAR website and linking you to the original document for further information. It’s fast, easy and reliable.

Start Chatting
  • Research
  • Levies and Returns
  • Resources
  • Events
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • Schools
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use

©2022 Foundation for Arable Research