NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and North Coast Local Land Services (LLS) have urged producers to monitor crops for fall armyworm damage this autumn to help develop a better understanding of the behaviour of the voracious pest in local farming systems.
NSW DPI research entomologist, Lisa Bird, said fall armyworm has been found in most areas of NSW and monitoring on the north coast indicates the pest is still present.
"Because the pest is new to Australia, we need to continue to build our knowledge of its behaviour and identify the crops and plants it may target in local environments," Dr Bird said.
"We encourage producers across the state to look out for crop damage from the pest, take photographs and send the information to us.
"NSW DPI and North Coast LLS are working with growers and industry to keep them informed of recommended management strategies and minimise the biosecurity impacts."
