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armyworm
Symptoms of Infestation
Damage to leaves is caused by the irregular feeding behavior of larvae.
It appears as moist, sawdust-like frass near the whorl and upper leaves.
Early feeding resembles that of other caterpillar species.
Deep feeding within the leaf whorl may destroy the plant’s growing points.
Larvae tend to enter maize ears from the side and feed on developing kernels, which are their preferred food source.
Sources of Spread and Transmission
Movement of agricultural goods infested with the fall armyworm or any of its life stages.
Natural spread through flight.
Transmission via contaminated soil containing any life stage of the pest.
Transmission through sorting, marketing, and distribution centers
Pre-Planting Prevention and Control Mechanism
Proper field soil preparation.
Selecting high-quality varieties.
Avoiding delayed planting.
Post-Planting Prevention and Control Mechanism
Interplanting with other species, if available, between rows of the main crop and along field edges.
Installing fall armyworm traps.
Prevention and Control Mechanism During the Growth Stage
Intensifying monitoring and surveillance using traps and visual inspection.
Releasing Trichogramma parasitoids at the onset )pest first appearance in traps).
Spraying biopesticides containing Bacillus bacteria at the first larval stage.
Using an approved pesticide for later stages if present.