RECENT sightings of Fall Armyworm have prompted fresh calls for vigilance from the NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall.
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The warning comes after the pest was sighted in maize crops in Croppa Creek and Tulloona in the state's North West as well as in Cudgen on the North Coast.
As the planting of summer crops such as maize and sorghum ramps up, growers are being urged to report any sightings to Local Land Services (LLS) with their phone number, crop type and location.
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NSW Agriculture Minister and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said it was crucial for producers to report any sightings to help minimise any damage.
"Our landholders are the first line of defense against fall armyworm. Vigilant producers actively looking for signs of the pest help widen the reach of our trapping network, making sure we detect any new cases as soon as possible," Mr Marshall said.
"Farmers should monitor crops, particularly sorghum and maize, regularly for signs of fall armyworm damage, egg masses and larvae."
LLS acting agriculture and biosecurity business partner Dale Kirby said last season fall armyworm was found in key summer cropping regions, but early detection and spraying with selective insecticides was key to managing impacts.
"Regular monitoring, particularly in maize and sorghum crops is critical at this time to optimise control costs. Growers and advisers should look for early signs of crop damage, such as windowing and shot holes in leaves," Mr Kirby said
"It's important to target larvae before they bury in leaf whorls and ears of maize."
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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.
