How can I help build a resilient maize crop at the start of the season?

Grow a Healthy Crop in a Healthy Farming System.

The FAO provides the following guidance:

Maintain healthy soil, including soil organic carbon, soil moisture and structure, and ensure adequate plant nutrition. Research shows that plants grown in healthy soils are less attractive to pests.

Use high-quality seeds and varieties well adapted to the local environment and which are vigorous in the face of pests and diseases.

Planting time can be critical, especially when faced with limited or irregular rainfall. Avoid late planting, and avoid staggered planting.

Consider using intercropping, trap crops and repellent crops which can help to reduce FAW infestation.

Optimise fertiliser use: avoid excessive nitrogen use, adding inorganic fertilisers to plants grown in poor soils may increase attack rates, as the high levels of free amino acids in the leaves are attractive to pests

Don’t panic! Maize plants can withstand significant damage by the Fall Armyworm – so become an expert on crop health and FAW to get the best and most sustainable results.