Lookout for Fall Armyworm

HUNTER Local Land Services (LLS) are urging farmers to be on the lookout for fall armyworm after finding larvae at a property near East Maitland. 

The fall armyworm is a plant pest that can damage a wide variety of crops because it is able to migrate long distances.

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“This is the first detection of fall armyworm in the Hunter and we need all growers throughout the region to be vigilant and keep an eye out for signs of fall armyworm,” said Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) Pastures Officer David Deane.

“The best thing landholders can do to reduce the spread and impact of this pest is to identify the signs and symptoms early and report any suspect cases as quickly as possible, that’s how this detection came about.

“Landholders should be looking for windowing of leaves where larvae have hatched and small shot holes as leaves expand, caused by larvae feeding in the developing leaf whorl.

“While this pest is known to feed on more than 350 plant species, particularly sorghum and maize, it has the potential to impact any crop where food choice is limited.”

Farmers are able to send photographs of suspected larvae top the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) for identification. 

For small larvae, DPI and LLS recommend retaining samples with food, such as host crop leaves, and allow them to grow to enable photographs to be taken.

Landholders can register for a free fall armyworm webinar hosted by the Grain Research and Development Corporation on November 12, to hear from Queensland experts who have been dealing with the pest for months.

Anyone who suspects the presence of fall armyworm should immediately call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.