Victorian agronomists and growers are being warned to be vigilant in crop surveillance for Fall armyworm (FAW), following the impacts the pest is having on crops in Queensland.
Fall armyworm has rapidly spread across Australia after being found in Queensland in January 2020.
Agriculture Victoria plant pests and diseases manager, Chris Pittock, said a collaborative effort between government, industry and the community is crucial to effectively manage the pests.
“If agronomists and farmers find Fall armyworm on their property, they should seek professional advice for treatment and management,” Chris said.
“Given this pest is established in some parts of the state, we have adapted our practices to manage it.
“Detections of concern to us would be if the pest is found outside of central Victoria near the Murray River, and some parts of Gippsland.”
AgVic has been leading the State response for the National Fall armyworm project, which is coordinated by Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF).
Early detection of FAW is important to ensure producers are making decisions in observance with best practice methods of control, and to reduce the likelihood of resistance occurring in the pest.
AgVic is monitoring the distribution of Fall armyworm across Victoria, sightings can be reported by contacting AgVic.
