‘We have 2 million coconut palm plantations’
Swams of armyworms have invaded maize farmers under irrigation in many states in the country.
Maize farmers in Nigeria are warning of dire consequences of potential food crisis if concrete steps are not taken to curtail the invasion.
The African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta), an African moth caterpillar, is already wrecking damage in some parts of Africa.
Also, the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a non-indigenous, foreign species originating from the Americas has allegedly made its way into six African countries.
Reports from various African countries show that over 100,000 hectares of maize are affected in Zambia alone, with Zimbabwe reportedly being the worst affected country, where up to about 130,000 hectares of maize may have been affected.
Similarly, reports show that about 17,000 hectares have been destroyed in Malawi, while in Namibia, an approximate of 50,000 hectares of maize and millet have been affected.
Infestation of the fall armyworm was confirmed in Ghana last year by the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, a UK-based organisation, headquartered in Oxfordshire.
South Africa also confirmed an infestation, which allegedly came from Zambia, through Zimbabwe. The infestation has also been reported in Malawi, Mozambique and Namibia.
How it attacks crops
Purdue University, based in the US noted that, “Armyworm larvae usually feed at night and during cloudy days, hiding beneath crop debris or in the whorl of plants at other times. Because of their nocturnal habit, their presence may not be realized until the crop begins to show feeding damage.”
The fall armyworm unlike the African armyworm is dispersed by wind and escapes detection by burrowing inside maize stems, thus making it difficult for pesticides applied to be effective.
The fall armyworm is known to cause extensive crop losses of up to about 70% (according to FAO) depending on existing conditions. The pest is also reportedly difficult to control with a single type of pesticide.
It mostly attacks plants belonging to the grass family but could also attack beans, groundnut, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, cabbage, cucumbers and others. Damage may be extensive to a point where the plant, except leaf midribs and the stalk, is consumed.
Attacks Nigeria continues in
Since crossing over from Benin Republic to Nigeria, 22 states including the Federal Capital Territory have so far been affected, with no signs of a halt in infestations.
Daily Trust visited the Federal Government Gurara Irrigation Project in Jere, Kakargo Local Government of Kaduna state, where many farmers are battling the scorn of the pest as it continues to destroy their crops.
Mr. Micah Israel, 61, is a retired extension officer with 35 years experience. He manages a 40-hectare cereals-maize and rice farm at the project site. He told Daily Trust that the pest was ravaging crops from one farm to the other, dropping the overall potential yield per hectare.
“The attacks are more severe this dry season. The pest is eating up the maize from insides, which makes it difficult for photosynthesis to occur. Some plants may survive the attacks, others do not. They ones that mange to survive produce far less than the potential yield,” he said.
He conducted the reporters through a 10-hectare maize farm infected with the pest, adding that about N40,000 to N60,000 was needed to effectively control the armyworms in the affected 10-hectare land.
“Once this problem is solved, food in Nigeria will not be a problem, if not, our food supply will be affected,” the retired extension officer stressed.
Mr. Israel also worries that the “yields of the crops are becoming very low due to this disease. Sometimes what comes out is just about half the potential yield. We need government to respond immediately and assist the farmers in tackling the issue, otherwise, we may face maize shortage in the country.”
“You also know that the disease is now spreading very fast in many other countries in sub-Saharan Africa” he added.
Arrangements are being made to assist affected states - FG
Speaking with Daily Trust, Dr Gideon M. Mshelbwala, Chief Veterinary Officer/Director Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said armyworms are wandering pests and on-farm problem, which makes it difficult to tackle adding that, “once we receive any report from extension officers in the field we will respond.”
The director said the ministry has received reports of invasion from some states adding that arrangements were being made to respond appropriately. He also called the attention of farmers to report to their extension officers in the field who will in turn report to the ministry for action.
“If we don’t receive a report, it will be difficult for us to know the areas affected,” Dr. Mshelbwala said.
Control measures
Wiki How, an online platform that provides a step-by-step DIY guide across a wide range of disciplines suggested the following steps to control the pests:
-Look for early signs of armyworm damage.
Because they feed at night, you may not see the caterpillars right away. The earlier you treat the problem, the easier it is to control and minimise damage.
-Monitor your farm for signs of armyworm damage.
Look for holes in the leaves or pieces missing off of leaf edges where the armyworms have eaten.
-Look under the plants for armyworms or signs of their frass, or droppings.
You may also find larvae under plant debris lying in the field. If you are also growing wheat, you may find worms inside of the heads.
Finally, apply insecticides to the field using ground or aerial equipment.