“Too many paddocks being lost”: Fall armyworm impacting beef fodder crops

After being discovered in Queensland in January 2020, Fall armyworm quickly expanded throughout Australia, becoming entrenched in portions of Victoria, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. The fall armyworm can move quickly and is dispersed by storms. It has adapted to warm tropical and sub-tropical regions in northern Australia. Experiences in Queensland have also demonstrated a strong predilection for feeding on maize, even while wheat, millet and sunflowers were close.

Presenting at the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries event was the department’s principal entomologist Dr Melina Miles.

Dr. Miles discussed her observations on the pest in light of the current season. This year's FAW infestations in Queensland and northern New South Wales have been the worst to date.

“We’re hoping to have as many graziers and dairy farmers as possible attend this event to boost awareness about it in the livestock as well as the cropping sector,” Dr Miles said.

“Too many paddocks are being lost, and we’re trying to raise awareness.”

Certain winter crops are also being impacted by FAW, such as oats that were sown for hay or winter feed.

Among the subjects discussed were:

- the severity of the FAW infestation,

- updates on the most recent research,

- and long-term strategies for controlling the pest during a difficult season.

The most recent online session to keep the industry informed about where to look, what to look for, and how to prevent or control infestations was held on May 1.

FAW is affecting sorghum and maize crops in particular the most this season than it has in the past.

The National Fall Armyworm Symposium was held in Brisbane recently, and Dr Miles last month recorded a podcast about FAW available through the GRDC website.

‍

(Source: Beef Central)