First report of Spodoptera frugiperda in Israel
The NPPO of Israel recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae – EPPO A1 List) in commercial maize (Zea mays) crops on its territory. In late June 2020, fall armyworm was first found in Southern Israel in Western Negev, close to the coast and border with Gaza. In July 2020, it was also found in Northern Israel in the Bet Shaan valley. In Southern Israel, the presence of S. frugiperda was initially noticed by growers and extension officers. The insect was also caught in traps placed near maize fields. In Northern Israel, first findings were also made by growers and extension officers. For the moment, only minor damage has been observed. It is thought that the pest entered Israel by natural spread from Egypt. Official control measures are being implemented. Insecticide treatments are being applied in infested fields and surveys have been intensified on maize and other host plants throughout the country.
The pest status of Spodoptera frugiperda in Israel is officially declared as: Present: only in some areas (Western Negev, Bet Shaan valley).
Sources
NPPO of Israel (2020-08).