Armyworm moves to central Africa ravaging maize crops in the Congo
Kinshasa — Crop-destroying armyworm caterpillars have ravaged 63,000ha of maize in south-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo since December, causing local maize prices to triple, a UN spokeswoman said on Wednesday. Suspected outbreaks have already erupted in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, SA, Namibia and Mozambique, but the outbreak in the Congo is the first evidence it has spread into central Africa. Scientists say the armyworm, which is native to North and South America, could reach tropical Asia and the Mediterranean in the next few years. The 63,000ha in south-eastern Congo represent 80% of maize production in four territories along the Zambian border, UN spokesperson Florence Marchal told reporters in Kinshasa. The outbreak has caused the price of a 25kg sack of maize to rise from $10 to $30, she added, and comes as Congo’s other main staple crops, bananas and manioc, are ravaged by other maladies. Armyworm moths lay eggs in maize plants and the caterpillars have been known to marc...
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.