The exotic pest, fall armyworm, has been detected for the time in Australia, on the northern Torrest Straight islands of Saibai and Erub.

Although maize, sorghum and other field crops usually host fall armyworm, the young caterpillars are known to feed on vegetable crops such as beetroot, potato and sweet corn, causing plant defoliation.

AUSVEG urges industry to report unexpected symptoms in the field via  MyPestGuide or by contacting Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries here.