Farmers told to scout for African armyworm

AFRICAN armyworm has been reported from Midlands and Mashonaland Central and the Department of Migratory Pests and Biosecurity Control has said chemicals needed to fight the pest are available and will be distributed for free.

Department director Mr Shingirayi Nyamutukwa said so far there was no major damage, but that farmers should scout daily for the caterpillars.

“Farmers should be on the lookout for African armyworm caterpillars in their fields. Scouting should therefore be done every day for early detection and control. If unnoticed, the caterpillars can cause 100 percent crop loss forcing farmers to replant,” he said.

In a recent interview, Tobacco Farmers’ Union Trust president Mr Victor Mariranyika said there was need to create awareness campaigns so that every farmer would be aware of the situation on the ground.

“Farmers should be educated hence awareness programmes are effective when dealing with such issues.

“Agritex officers should also be working with farmers in identifying areas where African armyworms prefer to breed. We applaud the efforts by Government so far to secure enough chemicals in preparation for any outbreaks,” he said.

The African armyworm has been a challenge to farmers in Zimbabwe over the years. The moths fly in from Zambia, Uganda or Tanzania and are carried by strong winds from one area to another.

The armyworm is the larvae stage of a moth that is common in Southern Africa.

The moth is easily identified by the colour of its wings which are dark brown with black spots, while hind wings are white with dark edges. The migratory moths travel in multitudes and cover long distances during the night. They can cross national boundaries within a short period while being driven by winds.

Experts note that the moths follow humid areas and lay eggs at a very fast rate. A female can lay up to 800 eggs within five weeks.

The armyworm can wipe out an entire field during the night if not controlled on time as it has a monster appetite for foliage.

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