Dairy farmers and graziers are urged to inspect their crops amid fall armyworm (FAW) infestations in forage oats across southern-growing regions.
Reports of FAW impacting oats have surfaced from regions including the inner Downs, Southern Downs, Western Downs and Rolleston in central Queensland.
“Emerging and establishing crops are at greatest risk of complete defoliation and plant death,” Department of Agriculture and Fisheries principal entomologist Dr Melina Miles said.
“Growers and agronomists are encouraged to check crops for evidence of FAW within seven to 10 days of emergence.
“In oat–pasture mixes you may see damage to grasses and broadleaf pasture species when the FAW have consumed the oats and move as larger larvae.”
These infestations come at the end of the most severe season since the pest arrived in Australia in 2020.
If Queensland experiences a mild autumn, FAW activity in winter crops and pastures is expected to persist, but the rate of damage will slow as average temperatures decline.
Emerging and establishing crops are at greatest risk of complete defoliation and plant death.
Crop-checking intervals of seven to 10 days will avoid damaging infestations going undetected.
Look for windows or holes in leaves where small larvae have fed, or evidence of more substantial feeding with tillers cut off and plants completely eaten.
Bare patches in the paddocks and dying plants are indicative of more severe infestations.
Don’t rely just on finding damage — pull up damaged plants and confirm the presence of larvae (caterpillars).
Medium and large larvae may shelter under the soil surface at the base of plants during the day.
Carefully inspect the soil around the base of damaged plants. Damage to stems by these larger larvae can result in plant death from dehydration or disease.
Once larvae are 20mm long they will cause significant damage in a short period of time.Timely detection is crucial to minimise losses and safeguard yields.
If FAW is detected, growers should seek support from their local agronomist.
Further information: Resources on identification of FAW and symptoms of damage to oats and other crops are available on The Beatsheet (www.thebeatsheet.com.au).
If you think you’ve seen fall armyworm, call your local agronomist or contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or visit daf.qld.gov.au
