NEW research out of Queensland has identified maize and sweet corn crops as two of the most susceptible to fall armyworm.
Conducted by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), the studies have focused on helping farmers manage the new pest and minimise associated crop losses.
DAF principal entomologist Melina Miles said the Queensland Government-funded research had uncovered plenty of information about the rapidly-spreading pest.
"Research is under way on the non-crop hosts of fall armyworm, particularly in extensive grazing regions and agricultural areas, and the incidence of fall armyworm in other horticultural and broadacre crops is being monitored," Dr Miles said.
"However, the impact in most regions has been relatively minor and infestations through southern Queensland and into NSW have been relatively light and patchy.
"At this stage, maize and sweet corn are the two crops most impacted.
"Fall armyworm management work is underway in North Queensland on sweet corn, maize, and sorghum."
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As well as research into the treatment of fall armyworm, Dr Miles said DAF had also been working on creating tools to help producers identify the pest.
"Producers should be vigilant for any signs of fall armyworm activity and regular crop monitoring from emergence is essential," she said.
"Crop establishment is a particularly sensitive crop stage. If undetected at this stage, infestations may impact crop growth and even result in plant death.
"In North Queensland, an effective strategy in many maize crops has been to treat seedlings to get the crop established, and then again at, or just prior to, tassel emergence.
"Using insecticides with the least impact on beneficial insects is encouraged as the impact of insects is potentially greater than insecticides and they can penetrate plant parts that insecticides cannot.
"Learn how to identify fall armyworm and send photos of suspect larvae to your local entomologist for assistance with identification if needed."
The threat of fall armyworm has Maize Australia executive officer Liz Mann on high alert and urging growers to be vigilant.
"Fall armyworm is moving south and it is a bit of a concern," Ms Mann said.
"I think it and other pests may be one of the biggest challenges facing producers this season.
"We know producers are usually right on top of these kinds of things and we're hoping it won't be too much of a factor ahead of the summer season."
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Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
