Fall armyworm fights back – R&D Symposium, Brisbane
The 2024 records of fall armyworm infestations have been the most severe to date in areas across Queensland and northern New South Wales.
The National Fall Armyworm Research, Development, and Extension (RD&E) Symposium was held at the Eco Sciences Precinct in Brisbane on 17 and 18 April 2024. The sessions highlighted the extent of the fall armyworm challenges for the horticulture, grains, ginger, grazing including the dairy and meat and livestock industries. The 80 participants shared learnings and updates on the latest research and sustainable pest management solutions. An industry panel shared the impact of the FAW in the worst season on record so far. The following key priorities emerged from the RD&E workshop:
- A coordinated, cross-industry approach with grower support and engagement emphasised – a dedicated position working across RDC industries.
- The potential impacts of FAW on crops grown in more southerly areas and its seasonal migratory range are better understood
- Better decision making tools and knowledge
- Agronomy, spray application, best practice management
- Emergency chemical permits are better coordinated
- New tools for monitoring and management at a landscape level
- New genotypes understood, biosecurity aspect
- Insect biology and host interactions better understood
- Regional economic impact for industry
The symposium was featured on ABC’s Landline.
DAF Qld and PBRI members, Hort Innovation and GRDC organised the program.
Image The Beat Sheet
