Australia: Fall armyworm attacking early sown winter cereals

Published 2024년 5월 2일

Tridge summary

The fall armyworm pest, which arrived in Australia four years ago and has previously targeted row crops like corn and sorghum, has now begun attacking winter cereals due to increased numbers and spread during a hot, humid, and wet summer. Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries principal entomologist Melina Miles indicated that this pest's damage to summer crops this season, including grain and fodder corn, grain and forage sorghum, and White French millet, has led to its impact on early sown oats, wheat, barley, sugarcane, and Rhodes grass. She emphasized the need for regular checking of winter cereals for fall armyworm and noted that natural predators and some pesticides can help control the pest. However, she also warned that synthetic pyrethroids may be ineffective and highlighted that delaying planting winter cereals and considering natural predators as part of pest management strategies could help minimize fall armyworm damage.

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Original content

Fall armyworm is attacking some early sown winter cereals after building up populations to unprecedented levels in summer crops and other feed sources. Speaking in an online session today with 150 attendees, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries principal entomologist Melina Miles said this move into winter cereals was the latest development in FAW’s most damaging season yet. The pest arrived in Australia four years ago, and has previously confined its attacks to row crops, namely corn and sorghum. However, a hot, humid and wet summer has seen FAW numbers boom and populations spread. “I find it hard to think of anywhere, except for maybe Tasmania, where you won’t see fall armyworm if you put in a susceptible crop,” Dr Miles said. “Right now, having had summer crops or forages on your properties…increases the likelihood of seeing fall armyworm in winter cereals, but if you haven’t…the moths are highly mobile.” Dr Miles said excessive FAW pressure on winter cereals in ...

Source: UkrAgroConsult