**2.10 New and emerging pest control practices**

Fall Armyworm (FAW) invaded Africa in 2016 and continues to damage maize and many other crops (**Figure 10**). FAW is an aggressively damaging invader that afflicts the entire continent and affects numerous African crops [54]. Approximately US \$13 billion worth of crops are at risk throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, threatening the livelihoods of many millions of smallholders [55]. FAW are the caterpillars of the invasive species *Spodoptera frugiperda*, and this destructive insect continues to spread across Sub-Saharan Africa [56]. Infestations of farmlands by the pest are caused by eggs deposited in soil and on the plants coming from adult moths that can fly and cover large distances. FAW larvae inflict extensive damage to maize crops at all life cycle stages by eating the whorl (apex), leaves, and ears, resulting in 50% yield loss or complete crop failure. Effective chemical control agents for FAW are known, but the pest has nonetheless spread across the continent and is threatening millions of farmers in major production zones.

A range of insecticide products are marketed on the continent by agro-input suppliers that kill larvae of FAW inside the soil and on the plant [57]. Coating maize seeds with insecticides protects the young maize plant from pest attack by enhancing seed survival, germination rates, and initial growth stages after planting [58]. Using insecticide as a seed treatment offers several advantages compared to foliar applications. The approach makes it possible to apply smaller amounts of the control agent and is positioned into the soil where eggs of FAW are deposited and hatched. FORTENZA® Duo seed coating technology from Syngenta has been demonstrated to be a powerful control agent for FAW and has been used to treat more than 3000 tons of maize seed in Zambia. Coating maize seeds is simple: mixing insecticide with a binding agent like gum Arabic, vaporizing it over the material, and letting it mix and

dry in a rotary blending system. After treatment, the seed retains protective properties and provides a sufficient defense to the young seedling against FAW and other pests below and above the soil surface. Insecticides recommended for use as foliar spray later in the growing season are Ampligo® (chlorantraniliprole + lamba cyhalothrin), DenimFit® (emamectin benzoate+lufenuron), or Neconeem® (neem). It is vital to detect FAW infestations early so that control measures can be implemented before the pest causes too much damage.
