Management of FAW in maize fields begins with awareness, scouting information and prevention.
Early warning systems, awareness campaigns and access to information, farmer training.
Planting dates: Smallholder farmers to avoid late planting if possible, and avoid staggered planting (i.e. planting of fields at different dates in the same area), as this would continue to provide the favoured food of FAW locally (i.e. young maize plants). This is one of the most important recommendations for smallholders. In line with this, in January 2018 some FFS farmers in Kenya reported significant yield losses to FAW on late-planted maize plots, compared to adjacent plots which were planted earlier.
Good soil health and adequate moisture are critical: they are essential to grow healthy plants, which can better withstand pest infestation and damage. In addition, the incorrect inorganic fertilization of maize (especially excessive nitrogen use) can increase oviposition by female FAW.
The efficacy of managing crop residues to break the life cycle of the FAW generations is not well established by research. This practice is also time-consuming; it also runs counter other recommendations to maintain soil cover to improve soil health for sustainable production. More research is required on the practice of conservation agriculture in maize farming and its impact on FAW damage and survival of FAW life stages in the crop.
