No worms in Mpuma yet
It is important to scout crops for damage and possible sightings of the worm
Mpumalanga MEC for Argriulture,Rural Development and Land Affairs, Vusi Shongwe, announced that there was no scientifically confirmed presence of the invasive pest called Fall Army Worm (Faw) in Mpumalanga.
He, however, said the current suspect cases in Mpumalanga were on maize, as this worm can attack several plant types such as maize, sorghum and groundnuts.
“It is important to scout crops for damage and possible sightings of the worm. As reported by the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, this pest is a good flyer and cannot be contained in a specific area as it spreads fast,”said Shongwe in a statement.
There are currently suspected outbreaks in the Nkangala District and parts of Ehlanzeni, but scientific confirmation is still pending.
A team consisting of researchers, representatives of disaster management and farmer support has been assembled to scout the fields for possible outbreaks and to create awareness through different activities and to liaise with organised agriculture and individual farmers.
Crop producers are encouraged to report suspected detection of this pest to their local agriculture advisers.
Fall Army Worm is native to South and Central America and also occurs in the southern states of the USA.
The latest outbreak was first detected in January last year in Nigeria. From there it spread to several other West African countries and to Central Africa by April last year.
