Invasive armyworm found near Hamilton
Pest may have arrived from Australia via strong winds
The Foundation for Arable Research is warning a voracious feeder, which has been declared ineradicable in other countries, has blown across the Tasman and found in sweetcorn and maize volunteer crops at two properties on the outskirts of Hamilton.
Last month, a single confirmed egg mass belonging to the moth was found in Tauranga.
It has been on the Foundation for Arable Research radar for some time, as it has been spreading around the world and is present in the Americas, Africa and Asia, and recently established in parts of Australia.
The pest is thought to have arrived from Australia via strong winds, which was predicted by a risk analysis last year.
Fall armyworm adults are nocturnal and most active during warm, humid evenings, and the caterpillars on crops will be the most easily identifiable sign of this pest.
Biosecurity New Zealand and primary sector partners are asking maize and corn growers across the North Island to keep a close eye out for the fall armyworm caterpillars on plants and report sightings immediately via MPI’s online report form, the findapest.nz/ app or the Pest and Disease hotline (0800 80 99 66).
The fall armyworm thrives in warm climates and it is thought that it is unlikely to successfully hibernate in colder climates such as New Zealand, other than in the Far North — where none have been found so far.
To make it easier for experts to identify whether caterpillars are fall armyworm, growers are asked to take a clear image of the caterpillar from above.
If possible, photograph caterpillars that are at least 2cm long, so the diagnostic features are clear.
When you use the online report form, identify yourself as a member of the public and select the category “plants, spiders, or insects”.
The online notification tool allows images to be uploaded directly to MPI.