The recently released, “Fall Armyworm in Asia: A Guide for Integrated Pest Management” provides a comprehensive foundation of resources and information on how to manage the Fall Armyworm.
The Guide was developed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Feed the Future; the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT); and the CGIAR Research Program on Maize (MAIZE).
Seven chapters provide detailed knowledge and advice on a range of tools and management approaches for FAW control, covering such topics as biological control, host plant resistance and agroecological management, as well as communication.
Importantly, a comprehensive chapter on Scouting, Action Thresholds, and Monitoring is included. This section provides great advice on how to best identify and scout for FAW and includes a step-by-step scouting protocol and data worksheet. It also underscores the importance of targeting the control of FAW when the larvae are small; as well as controlling the FAW larvae before they move into the whorl. Page 28 provides a useful picture comparing the size of different FAW larvae (from neonate to 6th instar) along with the advice for stakeholders to learn how to differentiate larval sizes - for optimum use of control tactics and to ensure a more accurate diagnosis of infestation levels!
What stands out in this publication is not only the well-explained advice gleaned from experience and experts from around the world but also the attention to explaining management approaches in an easy-to-understand manner and the effective use of diagrams and outstanding photos from the field to illustrate different aspects. Key points for consideration are also well set out so that stakeholders are made fully aware of the most critical actions.
Target audience: “Professionals in private and public plant protection organizations, extension agencies, research institutions, and governments, whose primary focus is smallholder farmers and the seed systems that support them.”
Citation: B.M. Prasanna, Joseph E. Huesing, Virginia M. Peschke, Regina Eddy (eds). 2021. Fall Armyworm in Asia: A Guide for Integrated Pest Management. Mexico, CDMX: CIMMYT.
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