Fall armyworm (FAW) is the single biggest pest threat to East African maize. Larvae feed inside the whorl, making them hard to spot until damage is severe.
Early warning signs
- Small “shot-hole” feeding marks on young leaves
- Sawdust-like frass (droppings) in the whorl
- Ragged, irregular feeding on leaf margins
Treatment options
Biological: Neem oil (azadirachtin) sprays every 7 days during whorl stage. Cheap, low-risk, but slower acting.
Chemical: Emamectin benzoate or chlorantraniliprole. Follow label rates. Spray late afternoon when larvae are active and bees are not foraging.
Cultural: Push-pull system with Desmodium and Brachiaria reduces FAW pressure by up to 80%.