News / Regional
Extensive army-worm outbreak looms
30 Dec 2012 at 08:00hrs | Views
Zimbabwe should brace for an extensive armyworm outbreak this farming season following the significant rainfall the country has received, an official has said.
In an interview last week, Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI) director and chief entomologist Dr Godfrey Chikwenhere said preliminary indications are that the pest has already hit pastures and could soon move to maize and small grains.
He said outbreaks were reported in Binga, Umguza, Nyamandlovu, Chegutu, Kadoma, Makonde, Mount Darwin and Mbire.
The department is prepared to deal with the situation, he added.
"We have already received reports from Matabeleland North, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central since December 15," he said.
"Due to the delayed rains, the armyworm has been breeding in pastures.
"In Umguza, early maize and irrigated crop was affected while in Mash West there were some fields which were totally destroyed and farmers had to replant.
"In Mbire and Mt Darwin, small grains were mainly affected and we are expecting a serious outbreak in Nyakasikana where we had a 179 moth catch, which foretells a disaster.
"Farmers in the province should be alert as the area has always experienced serious armyworm outbreaks which we are also expecting this season." Dr Chikwenhere urged all farmers to remain alert to the threat.
"The country is likely to experience a severe outbreak this year despite having late rains.
"The pest infested pastures before crops were grown. We could not control it since our laws do not allow us to spray pastures or wildlife parks, as the chemicals have a negative effect on animals.
"Also, the rainfall pattern is likely to contribute to the spread of the armyworm since the moth is wind-driven." He added that his department has adequate chemicals to contain the outbreak.
"We have more than 1 650kg of chemicals and over 4 000 knapsack sprayers to give, free of charge, to the affected farmers.
"However, our greatest challenge is we are still mobilising resources to monitor the situation on the ground.
"We need fuel to ferry our officers to various areas as well as fuel for agriculture and extension service officers," he said.
In an interview last week, Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI) director and chief entomologist Dr Godfrey Chikwenhere said preliminary indications are that the pest has already hit pastures and could soon move to maize and small grains.
He said outbreaks were reported in Binga, Umguza, Nyamandlovu, Chegutu, Kadoma, Makonde, Mount Darwin and Mbire.
The department is prepared to deal with the situation, he added.
"We have already received reports from Matabeleland North, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central since December 15," he said.
"Due to the delayed rains, the armyworm has been breeding in pastures.
"In Umguza, early maize and irrigated crop was affected while in Mash West there were some fields which were totally destroyed and farmers had to replant.
"In Mbire and Mt Darwin, small grains were mainly affected and we are expecting a serious outbreak in Nyakasikana where we had a 179 moth catch, which foretells a disaster.
"Farmers in the province should be alert as the area has always experienced serious armyworm outbreaks which we are also expecting this season." Dr Chikwenhere urged all farmers to remain alert to the threat.
"The country is likely to experience a severe outbreak this year despite having late rains.
"The pest infested pastures before crops were grown. We could not control it since our laws do not allow us to spray pastures or wildlife parks, as the chemicals have a negative effect on animals.
"Also, the rainfall pattern is likely to contribute to the spread of the armyworm since the moth is wind-driven." He added that his department has adequate chemicals to contain the outbreak.
"We have more than 1 650kg of chemicals and over 4 000 knapsack sprayers to give, free of charge, to the affected farmers.
"However, our greatest challenge is we are still mobilising resources to monitor the situation on the ground.
"We need fuel to ferry our officers to various areas as well as fuel for agriculture and extension service officers," he said.
Source - SM
