Fall armyworm continues to multiply

A fall armyworm larvae has been confirmed on a fodder beet paddock in Central Otago in February adding to the growing numbers of finds throughout the country.

] by Kent caddick.

As of Friday February 3, MPI confirmed the fall armyworm has been found on 100 properties since September last year, with 12 of these finds on the West Coast of the South Island, and now one in Central Otago.

This shows the pest could be found on leaves of different crops and can be found in southern regions as temperatures warm.

There have been no detections in Canterbury or any other regions in the east of the South Island but MPI is encouraging a high level of vigilance for Canterbury maize and sweetcorn crops, as the models suggest that conditions are now suitable for potential fall armyworm development.

The number of fall armyworm moths caught in the response traps in the North Island has increased significantly in recent weeks marking the move from second to third generation.

The fall armyworm moth is a plant pest that can feed on over 350 plant species,

Agri Parts Direct Ltd

Kverneland • Overum • Kuhn Lemken• Dowdeswell•Vogel & Noot•Gregoire Besson• Clough • Duncan •Terradisc • Maxitill •Yeoman•Vibroflex •Connershea•Goliath• IHC• Sunflower•Topdown •Salford• Kongskilde•Napier •Vaderstad

We can also manufacture any point you need!

Needham Ag JD750a Seeder parts

Pivot rebuild kits

Bonilla seed tabs, Seed boot mounting repair kits preferring grasses and cereals. Vegetable hosts include corn, asparagus, beans, peas, beetroot, brassica, capsicum, cucurbits, eggplant, onions, kumara, lettuce, and tomatoes. Early detection and reporting of fall armyworm will help protect New Zealand’s primary sector.

The moth, which is an unwanted pest in New Zealand, is actively spreading around the world.

It is native to the Americas and since 2016, has been introduced to Africa, Asia, and is established in parts of Australia.

This moth has been on Biosecurity New Zealand’s radar for some time, and they have worked closely with their primary sector partners on keeping it out.

Fall armyworm is a hitchhiker pest and work done by Biosecurity New Zealand shows adults can spread via wind dispersal events from Australia.

Biosecurity New Zealand’s risk analysis has found that the moth would struggle to establish in New Zealand, as areas with preferred hosts do not necessarily have the cor- rect climate to suit fall armyworm, as it is a tropical species, thriving in warm conditions.

This species is unable to hibernate over winter, so populations are likely to die out during our winter period. This will cover all life forms (eggs, larvae, pupae, adults).

Biosecurity New Zealand says the overall risk was assessed as low because consequences nationally are considered to be very low, with the potential for low localised impacts.

Key Points:

• All South Island maize and sweet corn crops should be scouted as well as ongoing surveillance in North Island.

• The insecticide Sparta is approved for use on maize and sweetcorn crops.

• All finds must be reported to MPI here or call 0800 80 99 66.

• There are no negative consequences to growers for reporting, as this pest will not be controlled by removing crops.

Boots, Discs, V8 firming wheels, HD gauge wheels and Martin closing wheels

•Maize Planter No -till hardware, Clutches and Controllers

• Shop at our online store!