Fall Armyworm poses risk across several grain crops

Grain growers in central and coastal Queensland are being urged to monitor frequently for Fall Armyworm as it progresses southward

FALL Armyworm has the capacity to move large distances and grain growers, particularly those in central and coastal Queensland, are urged to be vigilant about monitoring crops following the detection of the invasive moth pest at different sites in Northern Australia.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries principal entomologist Melina Miles said fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) was initially detected in the Gulf of Carpentaria in January and more recently found on the Atherton Tablelands and in the Burdekin.

Despite fall armyworm being considered a highly destructive pest overseas – known to feed on more than 350 plant species, causing significant economic losses – Dr Miles said the Australian grains industry was well positioned to respond effectively.

Speaking at a recent Grains Research and Development Corporation Grains Research Update in Goondiwindi, she said the industry’s proven record of regular monitoring and well-educated agronomists and growers would prove integral to successful management.

To listen to the 15-minute podcast of Dr Miles’ presentation on fall armyworm at the GRDC Update, see https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/fall-armyworm

“Fall armyworm has been particularly devastating in overseas farming systems when it was not detected early and where options for early control were unavailable,” Dr Miles said.

“But the Australian grains industry is already accustomed to regular monitoring, we also have very well-informed agronomists and growers, and insecticide permits are now in place for the majority of grain crops for fall armyworm management.

“Vigilance will be key from this point and that means regular checking for early signs of pest activity and crop damage and importantly the correct identification of fall armyworm caterpillars.

“Identification is an area in which growers and agronomists will need support, as there are already many native Spodoptera species in Australia, but there are some excellent resources to help.”

Dr Miles said while fall armyworm was a newcomer to Australia and its behavioural patterns and impact here would be the focus of new research, the invasive pest was expected to present a major risk for sweet corn, maize and potentially sorghum.

“Based on the overseas experience, we are expecting fall armyworm to favour these crops, but it is also a grass as well as a broadleaf pest so we will have to watch and check how it responds to Australian conditions,” she said.

Dr Melina Miles is Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Principal Entomologist. Picture: Contributed