News / National
Chilo worm outbreak threatens maize production
13 Jan 2017 at 11:48hrs | Views
Despite the support by Command Agriculture in maize production a notorious worm identified as Chillo worm is attacking maize around Zimbabwe.
Agritex official who preferred anonymity said over 25% of the country's maize have been affected though the nation had a lot of maize this season from command Agriculture.
"It is good that the command Agriculture contributed to more hectares in maize production but it is disturbing to note that Chillo worm is destroying maize at a tremendous pace and it is not easily controlled," said the officer.
Farmers around Mashonaland Central confirmed the development and appealed to the government to chip in with chemicals.
"The worm is really killing we thought this year we would fill the granaries since command agriculture helped us produce more.
As farmers we are appealing to the government to help us with chemicals in controlling these worms," said Arthur Musara.
However, SEEDCO in conjunction with chemical companies and some entomologists has carried out some trials of several chemical options to curb the pest in Shamva, Mazowe and Matebeland through biossays and commercial field trials.
Some of the chemicals on the market that have worked to control the Chillo worm in the trials include Karate Zeon, Blast super, Bulldock, Decis forte, fortisk, coragen, vantex, trigger and ampligo.
Agritex official who preferred anonymity said over 25% of the country's maize have been affected though the nation had a lot of maize this season from command Agriculture.
"It is good that the command Agriculture contributed to more hectares in maize production but it is disturbing to note that Chillo worm is destroying maize at a tremendous pace and it is not easily controlled," said the officer.
Farmers around Mashonaland Central confirmed the development and appealed to the government to chip in with chemicals.
"The worm is really killing we thought this year we would fill the granaries since command agriculture helped us produce more.
As farmers we are appealing to the government to help us with chemicals in controlling these worms," said Arthur Musara.
However, SEEDCO in conjunction with chemical companies and some entomologists has carried out some trials of several chemical options to curb the pest in Shamva, Mazowe and Matebeland through biossays and commercial field trials.
Some of the chemicals on the market that have worked to control the Chillo worm in the trials include Karate Zeon, Blast super, Bulldock, Decis forte, fortisk, coragen, vantex, trigger and ampligo.
Source - Byo24News
