Published Mar 15, 2025
Fall armyworm belongs to Spodoptera frugiperda. The pest caterpillar has caused havoc in most parts of the country, attacking maize, but also prevalent in sorghum and sugar cane. The pest has also devastated other African countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, DRC, and Botswana.
The pest emerged in Kenya back in early 2017 and was also confirmed in India in July 2018. This has made the EU pick it as a quarantine pest (Exporters be aware) on plant materials.
Day 1-3 – Laying of eggs below the leaves close to the stem junction at the base of a plant.
3-5 days – Larvae emerge and begin to feed. The young larvae create transparent windows since they cannot eat through the leaf. As they mature, they vary in color from light brown to green and black and are about 3-4 cm long.
After 14-22 days – Larvae mature and fall to the ground to pupate. They form a reddish-brown oval cocoon about 2-3 cm in length.
After 8-9 days, adult moths emerge which are about 2.5 cm long and have a wingspan of 3-4cm. This stage is nocturnal and most active during warm humid evenings. After emerging, the female starts to lay eggs 3-4 days later.
Fall armyworm lifecycle is greatly affected by humidity, diet, and temperatures. Higher temperatures speed up the lifecycle.
Some of the best modes of action to control fall armyworm are;
Ryanoids e.g flumbendiamine, chlorantraniliprole (ctpr). Examples of brand names include;
Avermectins e.g Abamectin, Emamectin benzoate. Examples of brand names include;
Occasion Star https://www.agropests.co.ke/products?s=occasion%20star
Oxadiazine e.g Indoxacarb such as:
Occasion Star https://www.agropests.co.ke/products?s=occasion%20star
Benzoylphenyl urea e.g Lufenuron such as:
Aromatic ether e.g Pyriproxyfen such:
Organophosphate e.g Acephate such as:
Sinophate 75%SP from greenlife https://www.agropests.co.ke/products?s=sinophate
Lotus 75%SP from Osho chemicals, Orthene pellet from UPL.