Wheat Head Army Worm Faronta diffusa An Emerging Pest

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Wheat Head Army Worm (Faronta diffusa)An
Emerging Pest

• Diana Roberts Keith Pike

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First signs of WHAW leaf damage
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Spring damage (June 25) similar to CLB
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Young WHAW in leaf axil
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WHAW damage in barley boot
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WHAW on barley awns in boot
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Two weeks later bored out wheat head
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Bored out wheat head
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Progression of leaf damage from WHAW
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More leaf damage from WHAW
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WHAW larva on wheat head
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WHAW larvae in wild oats
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WHAW larvae (colors vary)
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2007 Sample grade winter wheat grain due to
Wheat Head Army Worm Damage D Roberts photo
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Wheat barley heads with WHAW damage
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Wheat head army worm pupae moth
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There is a naturally occurring parasitoid wasp
(not IDd but not the same as for CLB) - D.
Roberts photo
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Pheromone traps for ID and scouting
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Lots of farmer interest, but head-scratching
questions for all
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2009 Proposal to WWC

• 1) Establish regional distribution and relative
  field population densities of wheat head armyworm
  using phermone trapping technology.
• 2) Establish the seasonal life cycle of the pest
  a. determine the time of adult emergence in the
  spring (this to be linked with degree-days for
  future forcasting and timing of chemical sprays),
  b. determine the period of egg deposition, larval
  hatch, larval feeding, and pupation.
• 3) Establish damage levels (wheat yield
  reductions) in conjunction with larval densities.
• 4) Establish cost-effective chemical controls
  (efficacy trials to be conducted in the spring on
  spring and winter wheats product evaluation to
  include Dimilin 2L, Radiant SC, and Warrior, with
  the former two expected to be safe to beneficial
  parasites and predators).
• 5) Determine the beneficial parasitic species
  attacking wheat head armyworm and their
  biocontrol importance