Agric Reporter 

The African Army Worm was reported in Muzarabani and Mushumbi areas prompting the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to set up teams on the ground to assess the threat of this harmful pest.

In an interview with Harare Post today, a Government Official said, “Yes the Department of Plant, Pest and Disease Control in the Ministry noted the outbreak of an African Army Worm in Muzarabani and Mushumbi areas. As such the Department has since dispatched teams on the ground to assess the threat.”

The official revealed that Muzarabani and Mushumbi areas were susceptible to the Army Worm because these areas were near the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which has winds that bring rainfall in Zimbabwe.

He further said that the winds attract moths and eggs that produce the African Army Worm.

The Army Worm survives during dry spells since the eggs hatch more in dry conditions. However, the official revealed that the army worm is difficult to predict as it can only be noticed through inspection by the farmer. He said the pest can be treated by chemicals if noticed.

When reached for comment, one Agronomist from the University of Zimbabwe, Tendai Chikanga stated that the delayed rains, plant and pests dry spells in the current summer cropping season has raised the likelihood of reduction in yields in the areas affected. He added that the army worm affects crops which are at flowering stage threatening yields.