Fall armyworm confirmed in the Eastern Cape
Tests on samples from the province’s maize fields confirmed the presence of the pest, which can destroy crops
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has confirmed that fall armyworm has been detected in the province.The crop-shredding fall armyworm is known to attack a wide range of crops including maize, sorghum, groundnuts and potatoes.The department said the pest was detected in one of the Ncera villages."The confirmation of the presence of the fall armyworm in the province follows tests done on samples collected from the maize fields and analysed by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries laboratory in Stellenbosch," the department said.Mlibo Qoboshiyane, the MEC responsible for agriculture in the province, was scheduled to lead the spraying of the fall armyworm on Friday to control and manage the insect from causing severe damage to planted crops.
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.