Fall armyworm detected in Golden Bay

The destructive and unwanted Fall armyworm has now been detected in Golden Bay with its arrival leaving arable and vegetable growers worried.

The Ministry of Primary Industries is asking people to be on the lookout and report any sightings.

In January the Fall armyworm was detected in maize paddocks in Hokitika - the first confirmed findings of the pest in the South Island. However, recently the pest has been discovered in Tākaka with fears it will travel across the region.

The Fall armyworm is very destructive and can feed on over 350 plant species. It is called ‘armyworm’ because in its larval stage, individuals gather in huge masses (‘armies’), which then destroy crops.

“It’s not good news,” says Stephen Todd, president of Nelson Federated Farmers and dairy farmer from the Tutaki Valley in Murchison.

“The pest is causing havoc in Asia, crops are under attack and its costing billions of dollars in lost production. Now it’s here we won’t be able to get rid of it, so we need to look at how we can control it and prevent it wreaking havoc on our agriculture sector.

“Once it turns into a moth it can travel a long way each night, so it has the potential to spread at high speed.”

The insect has the ability to fly more than 100km per night, so with its presence close by it’s important to keep an eye out.

“We need to do everything we can to control it, starting with reporting any sightings so we can work out exactly where they are,” Stephen says.

There are treatment options available in the form of several types of insecticides and pheromone traps.

“Removing crops will not control the Fall armyworm, if you have it, report it, and you’ll get good advice on how to manage it. Many dairy farmers like myself have small maize crops so we need to be on the lookout.”

Stephen says everyone needs to play their part, report findings, and support those who have invasions.

“All growers, farmers, lifestyle owners and gardeners need to be on the lookout and actively scouting for caterpillars, it’s really important.”

Go here to report and to get more information.