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Biosecurity alert: Pre-empt spring pest outbreaks with crop scouting

Spring means more plant growth – and more pests. Crop scouting can help you get on top of emerging pest issues before they develop into an outbreak. We encourage you to get out into your crops and have a structured scout for potential pest issues as spring progresses.

If you’re new to crop scouting, try these tips:

  • Walk a zigzag through your crop.
  • Check a plant every 10-20 metres.
  • Don’t select only the sickest or the healthiest plants to check; choose a representative sample of 10-30 plants per field.
  • Your checking technique will depend on the crop. For example, you may break a seed head open to check for pests and/or check leaves on both the top and the underside.

For more information on crop scouting, check monitoring advice in the Ministry of Primary Industries Fall Armyworm quick growers guide (mpi.govt.nz)

Fall armyworm is still a pressing issue for maize growers. If you suspect the presence of fall armyworm on your property, please report it via the Find-A-Pest app or contact Biosecurity Officer Joel Faulkner for advice.

It is also important to keep an eye out for velvetleaf. This tall, invasive pest plant can spread rapidly and shade out crops. It’s difficult to control and resistant to many herbicides. While no plants have been found in Northland yet, there have been new sites discovered south of Auckland, so stay vigilant.

If you want to report a pest, please contact Northland Regional Council through our Pest Control Hub (you can find instructions here) or on 0800 002 004, or download the Find-A-Pest app.