The most effective chemicals against fall armyworm 2023
Kelvin Wairimu 
Fall army worm damage
Fall armyworm is the larvae stage of the fall armyworm moth that causes damage by feeding within the whorl of young maize seedlings.
In maize, symptoms of armyworm damage are a mass of holes in leaves and the whorl (the funnel), ragged edges and larval frass.
Young larvae skeletonize the leaf lamina. Severe feeding damage to young plants can kill the growing point; causing a ‘dead heart’ in maize.
The damage is high in maize planted late compared to those planted early. Maize farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are most affected losing up to 30% of their yields. This is due to the inability of most farmers to detect, control and prevent fall armyworms early.
Read Also: how to fall armyworm attacks maize
Some farmers may prefer to use traditional methods like applying sand or wood ash-affected crops which in most cases are ineffective.
There are a dozen plus insecticides that purport to control fall armyworms but they do not.
In this article, we look at chemicals that most farmers have used and were effective. The effectiveness of these chemicals depends on the mode of application, rate of application and the extent of the infestation.
Belt® 480 SC Insecticide
Belt insecticide is a fast-acting and long-lasting solution for the control of various chewing (lepidopteran) pests like fall armyworms.
Belt is ‘soft’ on most beneficial species and pollinators (when used as directed), so it fits very well into IPM programs. Belt is very active and rainfast quickly after spraying, demonstrates good stability to UV radiation and provides a long residual effect.
Belt insecticide is strong and has shown good results in controlling fall armyworms. Currently, it comes in 50ml and 1litre.
Match 050 EC insecticide
MATCH controls insects that are resistant to frequently used insecticides like organophosphates, carbamates and synthetic pyrethroids and so is useful in IRM (integrated resistance management).
For excellent control of the Diamond-back moth, other caterpillars and thrips in Brassica and Ornamental crops and fall armyworm in maize. Match works by interrupting the life cycle of caterpillars.
Match insecticide comes in 25ml, sachet,100ml and 1 litre.
Escort® 19EC insecticides
Escort® 19EC is an Insecticide/ miticide for the control of diamondback moths, spider mites, caterpillars, thrips and fall armyworms.
It often comes in 100ml,250ml,500ml and 1litre.
When spraying these chemicals in the rainy seasons it’s recommended to add liquid stickers such as Aquawet and Integra to prevent washout by heavy rains.
Read the product instructions before using them. Use protective clothing for health safety. Spraying should be done either early in the morning or late evenings especially when the maize are knee high..
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