Western Cape stands firm against spread of armyworm
Griffon Poison Information Centre confirms the caterpillar is rapidly moving south and east across the country
The fall armyworm invasion has spread across all provinces in the country except the Western Cape. The crop pest was reported by farmers in Limpopo‚ North West and the Free State in January. Dr Gerhard Verdoorn‚ director at Griffon Poison Information Centre‚ said the caterpillar was rapidly moving south and east. Most farmers were unaware of the invasion‚ potentially affecting the fight against the pest. He said the fall armyworm had been identified in south and east of KwaZulu-Natal‚ mainly on maize. "It was confirmed that potatoes on farms in Groblersdal‚ Limpopo‚ were affected by the armyworm invasion." The extent of the damage to commercial maize is not yet clear‚ but a growing number of small-scale and subsistence farmers have lost their maize crops. "There is progress in areas where farmers are controlling and are well aware of which pesticides to use. The use of registered pesticides is successfully controlling the fall armyworm‚" said Verdoorn. The Department of Agriculture ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.