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Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]

Outbreaks of African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) have been reported in four provinces damaging vast tracks of land under cultivation and prompting the Government to swiftly move in and assist affected farmers control the pests.

As of Monday, four provinces had been affected which include the Midlands, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East.

African armyworm (larva of Spodoptera exempta), is a pest that attacks cereals and grasses or pastures.

The African armyworm has been a challenge to farmers in Zimbabwe over the years.

The armyworm is the larvae stage of a moth that is common in Southern Africa.

The moth is easily identified by the colour of its wings which are dark brown with black spots, while hind wings are white with dark edges. The migratory moths travel in multitudes and cover long distances during the night.

They can cross national boundaries within a short period while being driven by winds.

In a media update on Monday, the acting director responsible for migratory pest control in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Mr Shingirayi Nyamutukwa said at least 234 farmers have been assisted in terms of the provision of chemicals.

“We are receiving more and more reports with a total number of at least 234 farmers that have been assisted in terms of the provision of chemicals. As of today (Monday), a total of 54,83 hectares of sorghum, and less than half a hectare of finger millet have been attacked by the African Army worm and at least 32 hectares of pastures have been damaged,” he noted.

He said the Government is providing chemicals to affected farmers urging them to be more vigilant and promptly report any outbreaks.

“As Government, we have provided chemicals and we are currently assisting farmers in Mashonaland West and Midlands through the provision of chemicals for control. What we are experiencing is that the rains have` subsided and we expect that there will be more of these outbreaks. We are therefore encouraging farmers to frequently scout their fields daily so that they can be able to identify any pests that are attacking their crops,” he noted.

He said this season is expected to be very short and most farmers have planted late and there is no sufficient time for replanting once the crops have been affected.

“So we are encouraging scouting and prompt reporting by farmers so that we can be able to move in and assist,” he added.

Experts note that the moths follow humid areas and lay eggs at a very fast rate. A female can lay up to 800 eggs within five weeks.

The armyworm can wipe out an entire field during the night if not controlled on time as it has a monster appetite for foliage.

The armyworm is so destructive and it is a serious threat to food security and outbreaks have been reported for decades every cropping season, hence the measures are now in place to rush the correct insecticides to farmers as outbreaks are reported.