Maravi

(SUNDAY MAIL ZW) Armyworm attack: Late crops at risk

Armyworm attack: Late crops at risk
Saturday, 07 January 2012 19:47
Faith Mhandu

There is high risk that farmers who are still planting maize will lose out as their crop is likely to be destroyed by armyworm, the Plant Protection Unit (PPU) has said.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, PPU chief entomologist and head of department Dr Godfrey Chikwenhere said the armyworm had invaded some parts of the country.
"We have recorded armyworm invasion in some parts of the country putting late crops at risk.a

“Armyworm has significantly affected Harare, Chegutu, Madziva, Selous and Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe,” he said.
Dr Chikwenhere said crops on less than five hectares were completely written off after the armyworm invasion countrywide.

“Of the 25 hectares that were affected in Chegutu, only one hectare was totally destroyed,” said Dr Chikwenhere.
He advised farmers to constantly check their fields of any pests that may damage crops.

“We have dispatched enough chemicals to all the districts across the country. Farmers can access the chemicals from Agritex and research offices close to them.”
“We have distributed sprayers so that farmers can spray their crops under the supervision of Agritex extension officers,”

Dr Chikwenhere said they expected the armyworm outbreak to last up to April. Armyworm is a pest associated with the rainy season and is carried by wind.
It feeds on all cereal crops and can cause serious damage if not attended to.

Labels: ARMY WORMS

posted by MrK @ 4:35 PM