Down to business; (after having my blog deleted), I am giving you a more direct result on my conclusion of the devastating Armyworm and how to combat it, using Integrated Pest Management (like the whole food production industry should be doing), which is considered progressive still in New Zealand...
History; the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is not new to commercial food cropping worldwide; however, now, it is a new issue here and in most parts of the world.
Biology; 32-46 day lifespan. Eggs, 6x caterpillar stages being the most damaging, pupal, moth. Active early morning and evenings.
Monitor; this is essential! Sticky traps. Pour warm soapy water on the grass to bring them up if they are a problem in the lawn, i.e., dead patches. Manual identification - note inverted 'Y' on the head and four dots in a square on the butt. Fluffy felt like cover over an egg mass underside of leaves.
Deter; interplant species that caterpillars do not like, https://pondinformer.com/plants-that-repel-caterpillars/ Multi-plant crops so you don't lose one whole crop in one hit and the moths get a little confused.
Control; Handpick and destroy. Introduce predatory insects, like Ladybugs, Earwigs, beetles, and ants. Introduce tall plantings that will disorientate the moths from choosing your property to land.
Prevent; healthy plants are ones with access to environmental conditions suitable to enhance the plant's growth. Saving seeds from strong specimens will give you the best outcome when an attack has occurred. Creating the best soil biology will enable a plant to recover faster also.
In addition, our Sea-Hume granules will boost the plant's ability to take a knockdown from above; with the addition of bentonite clay and seaweed Aminos, etc., the roots will thrive.
Combat; DiPel organic caterpillar control and our natural insecticide are the perfect combination to spray - use the DiPel at the rate of a rounded teaspoon and the same for the Naturally Neem (wink wink). Spray as often as needed or once or twice a week while the armyworm is present, and be sure to get into all the crevices!
I am happy to help with your queries info@naturallyneem.co.nz
I have assembled a package covering all bases, including adding biodegradable sticky traps and Sea-Hume granules applied when planting, pruning, and harvesting, or four times a year, on the shoulder of the seasons.
Thanks for your interest - I appreciate and respect your efforts; planet Earth is our home.