Latest African and Fall Armyworm Forecast from IRLCO-CSA – 4th May 2017
SYNOPSIS:
Outbreaks of the Fall Armyworm (Spodotera frugiperda J E Smith) continued to affect maize in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Control by the affected farmers with assistance from the Ministries of Agriculture was in progress.
Outbreaks of African Armyworm (Spodoptera exempta Walker) were received from Kenya and Tanzania. Control was effected by the affected farmers with assistance from Ministries of Agriculture.
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CURRENT SITUATION:
FALL ARMYWORM:
Kenya:
Widespread outbreak of the Fall Armyworm was reported in the country (totalling 89,000 ha). The pest was reported attacking mainly maize. Control by the affected farmers with the assistance of Ministry of Agriculture was in progress.
Tanzania:
Outbreaks of Fall Armyworm were reported in Geita, Kagera, Coastal, Simiyu, Shinyanga, Arusha and Manyara Regions. Control by the affected farmers with the assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Cooperatives was in progress.
Malawi and Zimbabwe:
Fall Armyworm were reported attacking irrigated maize in most parts of these countries.
AFRICAN ARMYWORM:
African Armyworm outbreaks were reported in Kwale, Kilifi and Taita Taveta counties in Coast Province of Kenya. The pest was reported damaging maize and pasture. Control was carried out by the affected farmers with technical assistance from Ministry of Agriculture extension staff.
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OUTLOOK (May – Jul 2017):
The 2016/2017 African Armyworm outbreak season has come to an end in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. There is therefore, very low likelihood of African armyworm outbreaks occurring in these countries. The African Armyworm outbreak season continues in Kenya and Northern Tanzania.
The Fall Armyworm is likely to continue being a problem to irrigated maize in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe and to rain feed maize in Kenya and Tanzania. The Organisation is in the process of issuing a total of 200 Fall Armyworm Pheromone traps and 500 lures to Member Countries in order to improve national capacity to monitor this pest.
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CREDIT:
This forecast is issued by the International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and Southern Africa, with thanks to The Director at IRLCO-CSA and contributions by staff of Plant Protection units in its Member Countries. The forecast is summarised here by the Armyworm Network (@spodoptera007) hosted by Lancaster University. Learn more about IRLCO-CSA
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