Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) (FAW) continues to establish itself across Australia's major agricultural regions after its initial detection in January 2020. Now considered an established pest, FAW has spread across all states and territories, except South Australia.
Why is Fall Armyworm such a problem?
Able to travel up to 400km overnight, FAW’s migratory ability, rapid lifecycle, and broad host range (350+ plant species) make it a persistent production threat, particularly across maize, sweet corn, sorghum, horticulture, and pasture systems.
FAW larvae feed aggressively on foliage, whorls, and reproductive structures, especially in maize and sorghum, capable of causing significant defoliation overnight. It affects more than 350 plant hosts including grains, cotton, horticulture, and pastures. Activity generally increases during spring and peaks through summer, enabling multiple generations and significant crop damage.
FAW’s lifecycle shortens to around 30 days in warm conditions, allowing rapid population buildup from spring into peak summer.
Identification: How to confirm Fall Armyworm
FAW should not be confused with Heliothis or other grubs. Fortunately there are a few key identification features:
- Head capsule shows a distinct inverted 'Y' marking.
- The last abdominal segment displays four black spots arranged in a square.
- Egg masses contain 100–300 eggs and are laid with fine protective bristles.
Graphic showing two of the key identifying features, the Y shape on head and 4 dots at the rear of Fall Armyworm
Mitigation and management strategies
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Monitor crops twice weekly, especially whorl-stage crops.
- Preserve beneficial insects by reducing unnecessary chemical use.
- Control green bridges and maintain strong plant nutrition.
- Avoid sequential plantings of maize, sorghum, or sugarcane.
Chemical control options
The chemical options listed below exclude pyrethroids (MoA 3A) and oxadiazines (MoA 22A). Rotate MoA groups and target early instars.
| MoA Group | Active ingredients | Permits/Notes | Typical crops |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Spinosyns | Spinetoram, Spinosad | Permits to 2026–2028 | Sweet corn, maize, cereals, vegetables |
| 5 + 18 | Spinetoram + Methoxyfenozide | PER95222 to 31/01/2026 | Maize, popcorn |
| 6 Avermectins | Emamectin benzoate | Permits to 2025–2028 | Sweet corn, maize, cereals, capsicum |
| 11A Bt | Bt kurstaki | PER89870 to 31/07/2025 | Vegetables, berries, sweet corn |
| 28 Diamides | Chlorantraniliprole, Tetraniliprole | Multiple permits | Wheat, maize, sorghum, millet, sweet corn |
| 31 Virus-based | SfMNPV (NPV) | Registered | Sweet corn |
Hero products and agronomist suggestions
Use Spinetoram early for its fast knockdown and strong control of 1st and 2nd instars; follow up with Tetraniliprole for its long residual activity and its broad target range from egg hatch, 1st and 2nd instars and exposed 3rd instars.
National surveillance continues to study FAW resistance development, genetics, dispersal modelling, and biological control agents.
FAW is now a persistent pest challenge requiring correct identification, proactive monitoring, well‑timed interventions, and careful MoA rotation. Updated research and development will continue improving best-practice management strategies.
Ace Ohlsson is your trusted partner in production success, we know that every season brings new challenges - and new opportunities. That’s why we don’t just supply premium crop protection, seed, and nutrition solutions; we back them with the expertise that helps growers get the most from every hectare.
Our team of qualified agronomists are available across the region, ready to support you with paddock side advice, product recommendations, crop planning, pest identification, and integrated management strategies tailored to your operation. Whether you’re navigating emerging pests, refining nutrition programs, or looking to lift overall productivity, our agronomy professionals are here to help you make confident, profitable decisions.
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