Forget alien armyworms, Africa’s maize may face a bigger threat
Pest control organisation warns that red locusts, which are 10 times worse than the caterpillars, must be stopped or there ‘will not be anything to harvest’
15 February 2017 - 09:03
Johannesburg/Lusaka — Locusts breeding in central Zambia may pose a bigger threat to farmers in southern Africa than the fall armyworm that has ravaged crops this year, according to an organisation that combats the pests. Red locusts had already reached densities of as much as 50/m² over 76,000ha in an area known as the Kafue Flats, Moses Okhoba, director of the International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and Southern Africa, said in an interview late on Tuesday. If uncontrolled, they could form swarms of 40-million insects, destroying maize fields in their way.
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.