Staff Reporter
Several local agricultural experts have warned farmers across the country about an outbreak of the fall armyworm, which is notorious for destroying a wide variety of crops.
The warning comes in the wake of reports of armyworm infestations in various regions of the country, raising alarm about the potential impact on the country’s agricultural production.
In an interview with Harare Post yesterday, Masvingo Agricultural Extension Officer Makiwa Manaka emphasised the need for farmers to be vigilant and take immediate action to protect their crops.
“Fall armyworms are particularly dangerous because they are highly destructive to a wide range of crops, including maize, wheat, and other staple food crops. Farmers should be proactive and remain alert. It is crucial that they monitor their fields regularly to catch any infestations early, as delayed intervention can result in significant crop losses,” said Manaka.
Agronomist, Wendy Madzura also highlighted that there are several methods farmers can use to combat the armyworm menace effectively.
Madzura pointed out that knowledge about the pests' behaviour and the right timing for intervention is key.
"Effective management of the fall armyworm requires effective scouting and timely control at the correct insect growth stage, typically the 1st instar, before the economic injury threshold has been reached. Farmers need to act quickly to prevent the worms from spreading and causing irreparable damage to their crops,” Madzura explained.
Madzura also noted that numerous chemical and natural options were available to assist in fighting the infestation.
"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. But if you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained, you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle. In this case, products like Elegant Prime 100 EC from CP Chemicals, containing Linuferon and Acetamiprid, have been found to be effective. Other products such as Volt Star, Spike Extra, Ecoterex, Mactan, Demis, and Nemesis are also available from different suppliers," she said.
While chemical options can be highly effective, Madzura stressed that early detection and swift intervention are essential to minimise the damage caused by the armyworms.
"Farmers should regularly scout their crops and immediately apply control measures once they notice any signs of infestation,” she added.
Tseko Molefu, another agricultural expert, recommended a more natural approach to combat the pests.
“Farmers can also make use of home remedies, such as cutting off leaves and boiling chilli or Peri Peri to create a spray solution that can help deter the worms. While it may not be as potent as chemical treatments, it can be an effective deterrent," Molefu suggested.
The fall armyworm outbreak could have significant consequences for national food security if left unchecked.
The potential for widespread crop losses raises concerns about food availability and prices, particularly for staple foods such as maize, which are critical for both local consumption and export.
It is essential that farmers across the country take the necessary steps to protect their crops and minimise the impact of the destructive pest.
