MARA convened a virtual conference on national control of the fall armyworm on July 3, 2020.

The conference reviewed practices and outcomes of fall armyworm control, analyzed the pest infestation dynamics in the coming months, and identified the priorities for the monitoring and control of the Fall Armyworm in the next phase.

The conference emphasized that fall armyworm contain is of great significance to the bump harvest and the effective supply of grain and major agricultural products this year in China. Competent agricultural authorities in huanghe-huaihe-haihe river basin and Northeast China shall intensify measures to prevent their corn producing areas from the threat of the Fall Armyworm.

The conference recognized the effective control of the Fall Armyworm so far this year. The northward spread of the fall armyworm has been slower than that of last year, with hit areas in the south region of the Yangtze River mainly and the damage to winter and spring-sowing corn below 3%. Initial progress has been made in the Fall Armyworm control nationwide. As of July 2, the fall armyworm infestation has affected a total area of 7.86 million mu (524,000 hectares) nationwide, and a total area of 9.51 million mu (634,000 hectares) is zoned for taking control measures against the pest.

MARA indicated that July is the crucial stage for the monitoring and control of the fall armyworm as the corn seedlings are under greater threat posed by the pest. Competent agricultural authorities at all levels shall put the fall armyworm control on their top agenda and take tough and effective measures to combat the fall armyworm. Efforts should be made to strengthen monitoring and early warning, and strictly enforce the reporting system and duty system. Any outbreak should be reported in a timely manner. MARA will field inspection groups and panel groups to some areas for oversight, supervision and technical guidance concerning the Fall Armyworm control.