Close on the heels of the alarm sounded by Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) about the discovery of Fall Armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda ), an invasive farm pest in Karnataka, agricultural scientists in Tamil Nadu have reported that the pest has spread to fields in Karur district.
The pest attack was discovered by a team of scientists attached to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra of Karur when they carried out field surveys on maize crop at Nathamedu of Krishnarayapuram block and Karuppur of Thanthoni block in Karur district on Thursday.
J. Diraviam, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK, Karur, who led a team of entomologists and officials for the field study, told The Hindu on Friday that the occurrence of Fall Armyworm has been confirmed. It had been noticed in fields, where maize was raised in Krishnarayapuram and Thanthoni blocks. The pest attack, which was first noticed in Karnataka a few months ago, was severe and it could cause havoc. The incidence had been documented for future course of action.
He said that the worm had been noticed deep inside the central whorl, affecting the growth of maize crops. In some fields, the pest has affected nearly 50% of maize crop and in some others more than 80 % of the crop was found affected.
Mr. Diraviam said the Fall Armyworm, which was found throughout the western hemisphere from southern Canada to Chile and Argentina, was reported from Africa during 2016. It was first recorded in Karnataka recently and now reported in Karur district.
“The pest occurrence is severe and has epidemic proportions. The pest can multiply in geometric proportions within no time. It may spread to nearby districts quickly. So, it needs immediate attention,” Mr. Diraviam said.
He added that the caterpillars were mainly found feeding on young maize plants, but they could attack a range of other crops including millet, sorghum, rice, wheat, sugarcane and vegetables.
Mr. Diraviam said a report on incidence of Fall Armyworm in Karur district has been sent to the Department of Agriculture and the Integrated Pest Management Centre in Tiruchi for immediate attention. The State agricultural officials had been alerted.
