FAWarned

In South Africa, Fall Armyworm (FAW) is a regulated pest in terms of the Control Measures Relating to Fall Armyworm, R. 449 of 26 May 2017 of the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act No. 36 of 1983).

FAW is a disastrous exotic pest with a wide host range and, if not properly controlled, it may lead to damage of the host crop and /or yield loss. FAW is present in all the provinces in South Africa; however, the level of infestation varies per province, district or area.

Effective control of the FAW can be realized through integrated pest management practice.

The ARC - Agricultural Research Council released the FAWarned app that provides comprehensive and updated info on:

- Identification of FAW

- FAW Lifecycle

- Damage caused by FAW

- Management strategies

- FAW overwintering hotspots

- Differentiating FAW from other pests

The application also includes a discussion group for social networking. Within the application users can report a spotting of FAW. The application further contains a library of links and useful reading.