Fall armyworm (FAW) can be one of the more difficult insect pests to control in maize.

This creature attacks in extremely high numbers and causes serious leaf feeding damage, as well as direct injury to maize ears. A popular product from Bayer, Belt, proved itself to make the control of FAW much easier.

Identification of FAW

Fall armyworms can be distinguished from similar maize caterpillars by two physical characteristics:

• Inverted “Y” pattern on the front of a dark head

• Dark spots (tubercles) on the dorsal surface arranged in a square or trapezoid pattern

Fall armyworm control

For effective control of FAW, a few simple actions are required:

• Scout maize fields when the plants reach the five to eight leaf stage

• Apply insecticides early or late in the day, because FAW larvae are most active at these times.

• Use higher water rates during application

• Target early instars of larvae when they are not more than 20 mm in length.

• Alternate insecticides of different modes of action to slow resistance build-up.

Insist on Belt from Bayer. Contact them at +26(0) 76-258-2102