Fall armyworm research, development and extension for horticulture

Research led by Dr Trevor Volp, DPI Queensland, has investigated how Fall Armyworm and two other key caterpillar pests – namely cluster caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) and Helicoverpa armigera – infest capsicum during reproductive crop stages. The research explains what growers have observed with FAW in capsicum crops. Understanding these infestation patterns will help guide monitoring efforts and inform management decisions.

Key findings were:

• Fall armyworm is unlikely to warrant treatment in capsicum during vegetative growth stages
• The risk of fall armyworm entering fruit is greatest during the early and mid-fruiting stages, where caterpillars preferentially move to the fruit. Infestations in capsicum fruits likely arise from early instar larvae, as first instars can penetrate the fruit wall to feed inside the fruit.
• Monitoring for fall armyworm during fruiting is essential, and searches should be focused on looking for larvae/feeding damage underneath the fruit calyx or at the apex of the fruit.

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Find more on Identifying and managing key caterpillar pests in capsicum

Image: A secretive fall armyworm larva (circled) feeding beneath the capsicum calyx, illustrating a typical early instar feeding site. The inset shows a magnified view of the larva.