THE Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has issued two additional permits for the control of fall armyworm in sweetcorn, safflower and sunflower, bringing the total number of current fall armyworm permits to 37.

Access to additional permits is part of a suite of government and industry initiatives in place to combat this pest.

The APVMA has issued two additional permits for the use of certain pesticides to combat fall armyworm in sweetcorn, safflower and sunflower.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said the Australian Government was committed to supporting efforts here and abroad to manage and minimise the impact of this pest on production industries.

“Since fall armyworm arrived in Queensland via natural pathways in January 2020, it has spread to the Northern Territory, Western Australia and northern New South Wales,” he said.

“Fall armyworm is a serious agricultural pest. The larval or caterpillar stage of the moth’s lifecycle, can damage and destroy a wide variety of crops with the potential for large economic loss.”

“Approval of additional permits provide farmers and landowners with more tools to manage this pest.

“Industries and governments are collaborating to support farmers manage this pest.

“The Australian Government recently provided $600,000 to Plant Health Australia to address critical gaps in national research and development which were identified in a national workshop.

“Projects will investigate fall armyworm genetic research, pesticide resistance, commercial and native hosts, and modelling of seasonal impacts on population dynamics.

“We are also investing through the Grains Research and Development Corporation. I welcome the recent publication of the National Fall Armyworm Continuity Plan. The plan will be an invaluable reference for professionals, specialist and consultants to prepare localised material.”

Source: Federal Government