Although the fall armyworm attacks mostly maize plants, it may occasionally attack cotton, wheat, sorghum, soybeans, potatoes and groundnuts
The fall armyworm (FAW) threat looms large over South Africa, with the possible exception of the Western Cape province, according to the experts. The report said FAW infestations have been detected throughout Limpopo Province’s five districts, parts of Mpumalanga as well as the Eastern Cape.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has requested the farmers and agricultural organisations to step up the monitoring and reporting efforts in the wake of the FAW outbreak threat across the country.
DAFF has called for daily and weekly reports from the stakeholders upon the incidence of fall armyworm.
The Agri SA has appreciated the timely actions undertaken by DAFF in the face of the pest menace, including making pesticides available to combat the spread of fall armyworm. The application of chemicals must be carried out in consultation with chemical representatives, Agri SA alerted farmers.
Although this fall armyworm attacks mostly maize plants, it may occasionally attack cotton, wheat, sorghum, soybeans, potatoes and groundnuts. So it is important to scout these crops for damage and the presence of the invasive species.
Dan Kriek, president of Agri SA, thanked Grain SA and other role-players who monitor the situation on behalf of the grain industry.