_large.jpg)
Zimbabwe is facing an African Armyworm outbreak affecting multiple provinces and crops
Zimbabwe is currently facing a significant threat to its agricultural productivity due to an outbreak of the African Armyworm. Shingirayi Nyamutukwa, the Acting Director for Migratory Pests Control Department in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, has issued an urgent call to action for farmers.
Outbreaks have been reported in four provinces so far, starting from Mashonaland East around Christmas last year. Today, three more provinces - Mash Central, Midlands, and Mash West - have joined the list. The most recent reports have come in from Zvimba District and Makonde District in Mash West.
The government is currently assisting at least 234 farmers with the provision of chemicals for African Armyworm control. As of today, a total of 164.5 hectares have been affected. This includes 54.83 hectares of Sorghum and less than one hectare of Finger millet. Additionally, at least 32 hectares of pastures have also been damaged by the African Armyworm.
The African Armyworm, scientifically known as Spodoptera exempta, is a species of moth of the family Noctuidae. The larvae, which are the caterpillars, are the destructive stage of the pest. They are known for their marching behaviour when travelling to feeding sites, leading to the common name “armyworm”. These pests are migratory and pose a severe threat to cereal crops, including maize, millet, sorghum, rice, wheat, barley, as well as sugarcane seedlings and pasture grasses.
In terms of damage, the African Armyworm can cause significant crop loss. The caterpillars feed voraciously on crops, and in plague years, they can severely damage crop yields. The rate of multiplication of the African Armyworm is high, and they can quickly infest large areas, leading to substantial agricultural losses. Therefore, early detection and prompt action are crucial in managing the outbreaks and mitigating the impact on the agricultural sector.
With the rains subsiding, more outbreaks are expected. Therefore, farmers are being encouraged to frequently scout their fields, ideally on a daily basis, to identify any pests attacking their crops. The caterpillars, which move en masse in large numbers and have a velvet black appearance, should be reported immediately to the nearest Agritex officer. Swift action in terms of provision of chemicals can then be taken to control the caterpillars in time.
This season is not expected to be very long, and most farmers have planted late, leaving no time for replanting once crops have been affected by the African Armyworm. Therefore, scouting and prompt reporting by farmers are crucial to controlling the African Armyworm and mitigating its impact on the agricultural sector.
Farmers, your vigilance and prompt reporting are key to controlling the African Armyworm. Let’s work together to protect our crops and our livelihoods.
#agribusinesstalk