Chemical control of FAW is suitable for all types of maize growing areas in Sub-Saharan Africa and can be dispatched to fields in a short window of time making it a good option to combat the rapid advance of the pest and reduce yield losses because of it. National Programs and agrodealers in Zimbabwe and Zambia managed to distribute more than 3,000 ton of FORTENZA(TM) Duo treated seeds to over 300,000 farmers in one year time, through which they protected about 120,000 hectare of farmland from damage to maize production by FAW pest attacks. Seed treatment may require follow-on sprays with insecticide to avoid that adult larvae attack the crop as they need to consume much higher concentrations of chemical before succumbing to it — translating to greater leaf damage.

FORTENZA™ Duo used for seed treatment has two active ingredients – cyantraniprole and thiamethoxam – which kills the larvae from a range of pests. The insecticide are coated onto maize seeds by mixing it with a binding agent like Arabic gum, then vaporizing it over the material and letting in mix and dry in a rotary blending system. Insecticides recommended for use as foliar spray later in the growing season are Ampligo® (a.i. chlorantraniliprole+lamba cyhalothrin), DenimFit® (emamectin benzoate+lufenuron) or Neconeem® (neem), and are usually applied every two weeks.

Seeds coated with FAW insecticide are planted as any normal maize crop following best soil and fertilizer management prescribed for particular growing areas and conditions. Foliar spraying of the crop with chemical control agents for the pest are done using common backpack sprayer or tractor-mounted models. Farmers need to use gloves, suits and face mask when handling the chemical agents not to get in touch with toxic substances. To ensure FAW larvae in the surrounding of the seed are killed effectively by the pesticide coated on seed the surface of soils needs to be tamped down well. Controlling FAW requires an integrated approach – there is not one product that will silence the pest indefinitely. Seed treatment and foliar spraying of insecticide, along with improved varieties and good agronomic practices are all part of the solution. Inputs of inorganic fertilizers need to be applied for addressing nutrient limitations in soils so the crop grows strong. Infestations of FAW can be further reduced by intercropping crops that push and pull the pest away from maize crops such as Brachiaria and tuft grass, and rattlepod legumes (Crotalaria sp.).