(HERALD) Ignorance affects armyworm control

COMMENT - NGO's provide chemicals and knapsack sprayers? There are many ways to combat the larvae/caterpilars of this moth, including BT (Bacterium Thuringiensis), worm castings tea, neem oil (sprayed on, in the patch where the infestation is found and around it; or as a soil drench to make plants unappetizing to biting insects), use chickens which love to feed off grubs, or just interplant herbs and small flowering plants among the cotton plants, which will provide a habitat for a host of natural predators.

From Planet Natural: " Armyworm Control: Outbreaks of this pest are not common because they have many natural predators. Use pheromone traps to determine the main flight period for moths, then release trichogramma wasps to parasitize the newly laid eggs. Beneficial insects, such as lacewing, ladybugs, and minute pirate bugs feed on armyworm eggs, as well as the young larval stage. "

Ignorance affects armyworm control
Saturday, 24 December 2011 00:00
Agriculture Reporter

THE Plant Protection Institute says lack of knowledge on forecasting and management of armyworm, which attacks maize, is affecting ongoing efforts to control the pest.
Some farmers still have difficulties in identifying armyworm.

This has resulted in many farmers failing to inform the responsible authorities on time while others use wrong methods to control the pests.

PPI director Dr Godfrey Chikwenhere said his department had dispatched teams to areas that are prone to armyworm attacks and affected areas to assist farmers.

"The teams are carrying with them posters and pamphlets to educate farmers about the pest," he said.

Dr Chikwenhere, however, could not give the hectarage of crops that have been destroyed so far as the teams are still assessing the extent of damage.

Some farmers in Chegutu complained that their Agritex officers were giving them inadequate Carbarly to spray the pest.

Dr Chikwenhere advised farmers not to panic, saying the department has enough chemicals in stock.

In Chegutu some farmers ended up using herbicides while others used cotton pesticides to spray armyworm although this was not effective.

Last year, Government unveiled US$60 000 for armyworm control.

The department also receives assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation each year.


FAO usually provides chemicals and knapsack sprayers, which are distributed by the PPI to extension workers and farmers.

Dr Chikwenhere advised farmers, especially those in warm areas with a maize crop at knee level and below, to always inspect their crops for armyworm attacks.
Armyworm usually feeds on tender crops and pastures.

The pest also favours warm wet conditions and as long as these continue, the country will continue to be affected by armyworm.

Adult moths are carried by wind or rain, which is the main cause of the spread of armyworm.

The pest can move for very long distances in a short period because it is carried by wind.