While an invasion of creepy crawlies may be the stuff of nightmares, it could be a reality for New Zealand growers and gardening hobbyists. Fall armyworm has recently made its way to our shores and, under the right conditions, has the potential to wipe out crop plants overnight. In today’s episode, we chat to Frances MacDonald and Jordan Pickering about why Fall armyworm is a threat to Aotoearoa New Zealand, the role of scientists and individuals in biosecurity threat events, and what you should do if you spot one in your backyard.
For further information on the Fall Army Worm see: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/major-pest-and-disease-threats/fall-armyworm/
Thanks to B3 for supporting Jordan’s MPI/Plant & Food Research Summer Studentship.