Success StoryManaging the fall armyworm outbreak of 2021



Managing the fall armyworm outbreak of 2021

Author: Ricardo Bessin

Planning Unit: Entomology

Major Program: Integrated Pest Management

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The late summer of 2021 experinced the largest outbreak of fall armyworm since the 1970's. Pheromone traps in Princeton operated throgh the UK IPM program provided a warning of increasing popluations int he western portion of the state. In toal, three generations of fasll armyworm impacted the state with the second and third generations attacking the entire state while the first was concentrated in the western region.  The strain we had this year was the "corn" and crops attacked included alfalfa, soybeans, pasture grasses, turf grasses, and some horticultural crops. Damage was widespread and in places extensive. Extension program was used to alert producers to the impending problems and provide them with the best management options.