An increasing number of battles against fall armyworms are being reported around the state, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts are recommending forage producers be prepared to fight infestations.
David Kerns, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension state integrated pest management coordinator and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Entomology, said fall armyworm activity has increased over recent weeks. He noted infestations in Corpus Christi and egg lays around College Station and noted that forage producers in the eastern half of the state should actively monitor pastures for the pest.
“Applications are ongoing, and we’re really on the front end of infestations, so they are definitely something to look out for,” he said.
Fall armyworm populations typically build following large rain events that promote grass growth for the pest populations to develop and build. The pest is extremely damaging to forages and got its name because they appear to march army-like across hay fields, consuming the grass in their path.
The pest’s name is also indicative of their active season, and activity typically begins to increase between July and September, but wet weather can trigger outbreaks, Kerns said. The pest can persist until frost.
Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension forage specialist, Overton, said she has also seen increased reports of fall armyworm activity. She highly recommends producers who value forages to be on alert.
“We see how well Bermuda grass responded to the moisture, and so given the drought and the short hay supplies, forage resources are precious and should be protected accordingly,” she said. “If you’ve invested in fertilizer or planted winter pasture, you need to protect that investment.”
AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summary for the Central Texas district: Hot and dry conditions continued in the area. Soil moisture was very short in most areas. Grasses were burning up, and stock tanks were dry. Crop, rangeland and pasture conditions were poor. Livestock conditions were fair. Cotton harvest wrapped up with lower yields and quality grade concerns reported. Yellow aphids were in pecan trees and worse than they have been in several years. Armyworms were hitting some areas, while desert termites were hitting the southeast Blacklands region. Winter grazing planting looked bleak.