The Fall Armyworm Flew Over From Australia, And Biosecurity New Zealand Is Hoping It Is Only A Tourist

The fall armyworm flew over from Australia, and Biosecurity New Zealand is hoping it is only a tourist. First discovered in New Zealand in March last year, the pest can chew through more than 350 plant species – which means it could be detrimental to arable and horticulture crops. He says there was a total of 140 confirmed reports of the Worm across NZ before the industry-led transition to long-term management began in April, but the 2023/24 growing season has NO confirmed reports to date. Foundation For Arable Research Bio Security’s Ash Mills says trap monitoring and scouting in Northland and West Coast have shown no moths or obvious signs of FAW larvae, but there is no room for complacency.