African armyworm in Malawi as govt warns farmers

Zim Now Writer

Govt has warned farmers of the marauding migratory African armyworm which has reportedly reached Malawi.

he Department of Migratory Pests and Biosecurity Control Director Shingirayi Nyamutukwa said they had detected moths in Mashonaland West through its Early Warning System, urging farmers to be on the lookout for the pests’ presence in their fields.

Nyamutukwa added that chemicals to fight the African armyworm are available and ready for distribution free of charge for the control of African armyworm.

“Farmers should be on the lookout for African armyworm caterpillars in their fields. Scouting should therefore be done every day for early detection and control. If unnoticed, the caterpillars can cause 100% crop loss forcing farmers to replant,” he said.

The African armyworm, which originates from Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania and is carried by strong winds from one area to another, has been a challenge to farmers in Zimbabwe.

The armyworm is the larvae stage of a moth that is common in Southern Africa and is easily identified by the colour of its wings which are dark brown with black spots, while hind wings are white with dark edges.

The migratory moths travel in multitudes and cover long distances during the night and can cross national boundaries within a short period while being driven by winds.

Experts note that the moths follow humid areas and lay eggs at a very fast rate. A female can lay up to 800 eggs within five weeks. The armyworm can wipe out the whole crop during the night if not controlled on time, as it has a monster appetite for foliage.