African armyworm outbreak spreads in Free State
Thirty-one cases of African armyworm have been reported in the Letsemeng Local Municipality over the past two days.
Farmers in the Free State are urged to take extra precautions in light of an African armyworm outbreak in the province.
As confirmed by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, the infestation has spread towards Boshof (Tokologo Local Municipality), with 31 cases reported in the last two days.
Bloemfontein Courant reports that the cases were reported in the Letsemeng Local Municipality (Jacobsdal, Luckhoff, Koffiefontein, Petrusburg, Perdeberg and Emmaus).
The root cause of the outbreak is unknown.
“African armyworms cover large areas of grass, pasture or very small maize and sorghum in dense swarms of worms,” the department explained.
Veterinary Services has advised farmers to read the packet insert that comes with pesticides. This will serve as a guide for farmers on how long animals must be kept away from the camp that was treated.
“The department will provide support in terms of pesticide and blowers so that farmers can spray the affected areas.”
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Read original story on www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za
