Fall armyworm in Papua New Guinea: how big is the risk? (reliefweb)
Fall armyworm (FAW) is major pest of maize (corn), sugarcane and rice. This insect pest was reported in Western Province in early 2020. Maize is widely grown up to 2500 m altitude in PNG as a subsistence food crop and for sale in fresh food markets. It is particularly important in some locations with a seasonal dry climate, such as parts of Eastern Highlands. Maize is grown for stockfeed at Umi in the Markham Valley and at Gusap in the Ramu Valley. Maize can be an important food following a disaster in PNG because of the relatively short period to crop maturity and high food value. Widespread distribution of maize seed has been recommended if food shortages develop during the COVID-19 epidemic in PNG. Their value as an emergency food crop may be reduced if FAW attaches to maize