Fall armyworm identification and background

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. 

Check out the latest fall armyworm update here. 

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.

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a highly invasive plant pest first detected in New Zealand in February 2022. Fall armyworm (FAW) larvae can feed on over 350 plant species and in New Zealand, the crops at most risk are sweetcorn and maize. This update outlines the pest's biology and behaviour and provides tips for identifying and managing fall armyworm in maize and sweet corn crops.

It was great to see 90 people at our NCRS maize field day last week. This day, along with a series of field events across the central North Island, introduced around 150 growers and industry reps to Jon Myhill and Kate Baker from the UK Maize growers Association. 

Booklet covers: UK maize; nitrogen management; changing the maize system; herbicide resistance and maize weeds, combine set up.

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.

Weed related yield losses ranging from 15 % to 56 % for silage and 15 % to 61 % for grain have been observed in New Zealand maize systems. And with herbicide resistance being an ongoing challenge growers need to know if and when to spray to maintain herbicide effectiveness and manage input costs. This update discusses the results of a three-year AgResearch-FAR, post-emergence herbicide trial to evaluate the effects of various herbicide treatments on different weed species at both small and large growth stages.

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