Controlling Beet Armyworm: A Five-Step Strategy

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is recommending a five-step area-wide management (AWM) strategy to control the beet armyworm, a pest that mainly affects onion and scallion crops. The pest population has increased in areas such as Heartease, St. Thomas, and impacted communities like Albion, Norris, Phillipsfield, and Yallahs. Senior Plant Health and Food Safety Officer at RADA, Francine Webb, attributes the surge in population to the rise in temperatures in February and March, which favor the growth of the pests. The AWM approach involves implementing various strategies simultaneously in affected areas, rather than on individual farms.

The first step in the AWM strategy is for farmers to be vigilant and alert in their fields, as the presence of beet armyworms may not always be visibly apparent. The next step involves the use of pheromone traps, which attract male adult beet armyworms. These traps help in monitoring the population of the pests, indicating an increase in numbers if male adults are captured. The third step focuses on administering timely treatments to the fields, targeting worms while they are young and most susceptible to pesticides. Products with short preharvest intervals are recommended to minimize damage to the crops.

Another important step in managing the beet armyworm population is to harvest the crops in a timely manner once they are mature and ready. Leaving the crops in the field for an extended period can lead to increased damage from the pests. The final step involves the proper disposal of plant debris, as leaving debris in the field may allow the pests to pupate in the soil and increase their numbers. It is recommended to either bury or burn the plant debris in a controlled manner to prevent further infestation.

Farmers looking for support and additional information can contact their RADA parish offices or call the helpline at 888-ASK-RADA (888-275-7232). By following the five-step AWM strategy recommended by RADA, farmers can effectively control and manage the beet armyworm population in their fields. Implementing these steps can help minimize crop damage and ensure a successful harvest. It is important for farmers to remain proactive and vigilant in monitoring and addressing pest infestations to protect their crops and livelihoods.