Impact Of Fall Armyworm On Maize, And The Controls The Fall Armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a pest that attacks a wide variety of crops including Maize, Sugarcane, Wheat, Rice, Barley, and other Vegetables. It is best known for the destruction it causes in the Larval Stage. FAW was first discovered in Africa in 2016, and in March of 2017, the first case of Fall Armyworm was reported in Kenya, with infestation discovered on a Maize Farm in Busia County. Since then, FAW has been one of the major causes of destruction of Maize across the country.
STAGES OF THE FALL ARMYWORM
The Fall Armyworm has four stages, the Egg, Larva (Caterpillars), Pupa and Adult (Moth).
EGG
The adult Female Moth lays up to 1500 eggs in its lifecycle. On the Maize, the eggs are found on the underside of the Leaves, or sometimes on top of the leaves or on the young maize seedlings, and are found in clusters of 100-200 eggs at a time. The eggs hatch within 2-3 days in warm conditions.
LARVA (CATERPILLAR)
When Larvae are really young, they are green in colour with a dark head. As they grow, they turn to a pinkish or dark brown hue. At this stage, they are about 3-4 cm long. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of young Maize crops, and in the older plants they feed on the leaves and the cob silks. FAW destroy the growing points of the Maize, keeping new leaves and cobs from forming.
PUPA
After 14 days of being in the Larva stage, they get into the soil to Pupate. The Pupa stage lasts around 8-9 days in the hot seasons and 20-30 days in the cold seasons. The Pupa cannot survive in the cold temperatures for long periods of time. At this stage it is reddish brown in colour and measures 13-17mm.
ADULT (MOTH)
The adult moth is Brown or Grey and measures 3-4cm from wingtip to wingtip, with the female moth being larger that the male moth. This stage lasts between 7-21 days, with the standard number of days being 10 days. During this stage, the female adult FAW lays the bulk of its eggs, within the first 5 days.
CHALLENGES OF CONTROLLING FALL ARMYWORM
Controlling Fall Armyworms can be challenging due to the conditions that favour them to thrive including:
The Fast Fertility: A single adult Female FAW can produce up to 1500-2000 eggs in its lifecycle, with the eggs hatching within 3-4 days, increasing to the population rapidly.
Speed in Travelling: Adult FAW can travel up to 100km in a night.
Favourable Climate: FAW thrive in warm climate, therefore the Tropical Climate favours their existence.
Year-Round Development: Due to the rapid reproduction rate of FAW, they develop throughout the year, with the four stages existing at the same time.
It is important to keep track of your maize at all times in order to detect the Fall Armyworm in their early stage. Early detection is key, in order to be able to better control the pests.
Once you have identified the Fall Armyworms, it is important to choose a good insecticide that helps you effectively control the pests.
With the proper identification of an effective insecticide, it can only work effectively if it is applied in a timely manner. Ensure to use the correct mode of application, and apply the correct rate and as frequently as recommended.
CONTROL OF FALL ARMYWORM
In order to protect your Maize Crops from the mass destruction that can be caused by the Fall Armyworms, use the correct insecticides with the best combinations for effective control. At Kenagro Suppliers Limited, we have various insecticides that effectively control Fall Armyworms:
Emmaron 30SC (Active Ingredients: Emamectin Benzoate 200g/L +Lufenuron 100g/L)
Dose Rate: 10ml/20L of Water.
Available Packs: 15ml, 50ml, 100ml, 250ml, 500ml, 1L of 5L
Bentil 23EC (Active Ingredients: Emamectin Benzoate 23g/L)
Dose Rate: 10ml/20L of Water.
Available Packs: 25ml, 50ml, 100ml, 250ml, 500ml & 1L.
Benocarb 100SC (Active Ingredients: Indoxacarb 85g/L + Emamectin Benzoate 15g/L)
Dose Rate: 10ml/20L of Water.
Available Packs: 10ml, 50ml, 100ml,250ml,500ml & 1L.
May 50EC (Lufenuron 50g/L)
Dose Rate: 25ml/16L of Water
Available Packs: 50ml. 100ml & 1L.
When choosing an insecticide to combat the destructive Fall Armyworm, it is important to pick a product with the best combinations in order to effectively control the pests at whatever stage they are in. At Kenagro Suppliers Limited, we have the best products to help you control FAW, and our expert Agronomists that are available to advise you, partnering with you for successful Maize Farming.
