Spodoptera frugiperda detected in Northern Territory, Australia
In Australia, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae – EPPO A1 List) was first found in January 2020 in the Torres Strait (Saibai and Erub islands), and then detected on the mainland at Bamaga, in the Northern part of Queensland (EPPO RS 2020/031). In February and March 2020, further detections were made at several locations in Queensland (Gulf of Carpentaria, South Johnstone, Tolga, Lakeland, Bowen and Burdekin). In March 2020,
S. frugiperda was also caught in traps in Katherine, in Northern Territory. Considering that eradication is probably no longer feasible, the NPPO of Australia will collaborate with the agricultural industry to develop appropriate management methods for the growers and will identify research priorities.
The pest status of Spodoptera frugiperda in Australia is officially declared as: Present: only in some areas, but managed.
Sources
IPPC website. Official Pest Reports – Australia (AUS-97/2 of 2020-03-20) Detections of Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) on mainland Australia https://www.ippc.int/en/countries/australia/pestreports/2020/03/detections-of-spodoptera-frugiperda-fall-armyworm-on-mainland-australia/