Caterpillars affecting crops in south-east identified as Silver ‘Y’ moth species

Teagasc is confirming that the species causing damage in crops of fodder beet, fava beans and forage maize across the south-east of the country is the Silver Y moth. It stated that samples of caterpillars from crops of spring beans and beet examined by Teagasc are consistent with the features of Silver Y moth caterpillars. Despite some initial concerns based on reported findings in the UK, there are no reports of beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) being present in crops to date. In relation to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), while there have been recent findings in Greece and Romania, it has never been detected in northern Europe. Agriland reported a week ago that agronomists had submitted a number of caterpillars to Teagasc for assessment after being asked to walk some crops "where the damage caused caterpillars was noticeable".