Johannesburg –
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has received
confirmation that the recent pest infestation to crops across Limpopo and North
West provinces is in-fact the Fall Armyworm.
The Agricultural
Research Council, Plant Protection Research Institute (ARC PPRI) confirmed this
through samples collected in the Limpopo Province.
“The samples
were jointly collected by scientists from the ARC Grain Institute and the North
West University. These were caterpillars that had to pupate and emerge as moths
before a positive identification could be done,” said department spokesperson
Bomikazi Molapo.
This pest is
originally native to South and Central America and also occurs in the southern
states of the US and uses wind currents to travel long distances as it’s a good
flier.
This is the
first time the Fall Armyworm has hit South African soil after it was first
spotted in Nigeria a year ago.
According to
DAFF, the damage reported so far has been mainly to yellow maize varieties,
especially sweet corn as well as maize planted for seed production.
The major
problem with the Fall Armyworm is that it has a wide host range which can
affect crops such as maize, sorghum, soybeans, groundnuts and potatoes. It’s
also a good flyer and cannot be contained in a specific area.
Molapo said
reports of caterpillar damage has been received mainly from the Limpopo and
North West provinces.
“The South
African Emergency Plant Pest Response Plan is already in motion which deals
with new pest detection in South Africa.
“The actions
implemented depend on the pest, the extent of the spread and extent of the
damage,” she explained.
Read also: Pests in SA maize "strongly suspected" to be armyworms
“Now that there
is a positive identification, DAFF will continue with assessment of spread and
damage, awareness actions to provide farmers with accurate technical
information and control options.
“Pheromone traps
will be imported into South Africa to determine the exact extent of the spread
and the specific strain of FAW present in South Africa. Diagnostic support has
been increased to deal the bulk of sample identification,” Molapo said.
DAFF is working
closely with Provincial Departments of Agriculture and farmers to assess damage
on farm level, to determine other hosts affected and to implement roadshows
where farming communities are made aware of the pest.
According to
DAFF, no pesticide was previously registered to be used against the Fall
Armyworm because it is a new pest to South Africa,
“A process of
emergency registration of agricultural chemicals is initiated for urgent
registration.
“Chemical
suppliers are therefore encouraged to apply for emergency registration of
agricultural chemicals to be used on maize and other host plants against the
Fall Armyworm,” Molapo said.
In the interest
of human safety and pest resistance management, the department has encouraged
the use of registered products in terms of the fertilizer, Farm Feeds,
Agricultural Remedies, and Stock Remedies Act.
DAFF has also
called on end users of the products to work hand in hand with them, pesticide
manufacturers, distributors, Co-ops and consultants for technical advice.
“A plant pest
action group has also been initiated by the department which consists of
members from several producers associations and industries which may be
affected by this pest.
“The group will
meet regularly and progressively determine the way forward to manage this
pest,”
The Southern
African Development Community have been notified and regional control measures
will be discussed.
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