FORAGE: Fall Armyworm Outreach and Research for Alfalfa Growers and Educators

ABSTRACT Climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of rare weather events. The U.S. now experiences more hurricanes and tornadoes than in the past and has also seen warmer autumns that delay first frosts and freezes. While these shifting weather events directly impact agricultural production, an often-overlooked aspect is how they affect the spread and persistence of insect pests. Certain insects like the fall armyworm (FAW) migrate north on wind currents and warmer autumn temperatures accelerate larval maturity, produce additional generations and compound feeding damage in alfalfa and other forage crops. Therefore, an increase in rare insect outbreaks can be expected with an increase of rare weather events. Such was the case in 2021 when alfalfa and forage in the U.S. and especially the Eastern Corn Belt was devastated by a fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) outbreak. The objectives of this grant are to 1) revise FAW development and life cycles for the eastern corn belt of the US, 2) compare alfalfa and forage insecticide efficacies and residuals for control of FAW larvae, 3) evaluate the impact of FAW infestation timing and harvest management on winter injury and subsequent year productivity, and 4) develop and refine extension and outreach programming to incorporate FAW management.