Control measures stem armyworm threat

Measures implemented to control an outbreak of an African armyworm have been successfully implemented in the Northern parts of KZN and affected plants are said to be recovering well.
Sandy La Marque, Chief Executive Officer of Kwanalu, the voice of agriculture in the Province, told the Courier that there had been reported outbreaks in March and April.
“As KZN has a climate conducive to the spread of this pest, many districts reported movements of fall armyworm. More specifically, plant damage caused by the worms was found in Umzinyathi with communal farmers the hardest hit,” Ms La Marque said.
“Hopefully the natural elements, with the approach of winter, will assist in killing off the armyworm.

Sandy Le Marque.
However, as we understand farmers will need to be vigilant in the growing season.”
“The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, DARD, has teams in districts which can assist as proper control measures should be implemented.
It is understood that control, in the form of suitably registered insecticides, was successful and plants recovered well from initial leaf damage.
“However, early detection is important. There is no preventative measure in this regard.”
Farmers spoken to by the Courier suggested that insecticides used to stem the infestation had worked well and they were hopeful that the threat of the worm had largely evaporated.

Army worm infiltration being closely monitored in Dundee district …

Update: Current fall army worm outbreak in South Africa 

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