Latest African and Fall Armyworm Forecast from IRLCO-CSA – 5th Apr 2017

SYNOPSIS:
African Armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) outbreaks were reported from Lindi, Tanga, Coastal and Morogoro Regions of Tanzania. Control was effected by the affected farmers with technical and material assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture. The Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) continued to attack late planted maize crops in Malawi and Zimbabwe.

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CURRENT SITUATION:

Tanzania:
African Armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) outbreaks were reported in Lindi (Kilwa district), Coastal (Bagamoyo, Charinze, Mukuranga and Kibaha districts), Morogoro (Umvumero, Kilombelo, Kilosa and Morogoro districts) and Tanga (Handeni, Lushoto and Muheza districts) regions. The pest was controlled by the affected farmers with material (pesticides) and technical assistance from Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. A total of 1000 litres of Cypermethrin was issued by the Government to the affected regions.

Kenya:
African Armyworm outbreak was reported in Kwale and Coast counties. Control was carried out by the affected farmers with technical assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture. Most maize growing areas in the country were also affected by Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) outbreaks.

Malawi:
Fall Armyworm attacks continued on late planted maize crops in Muzuzu and Karonga Agricultural Development Divisions (ADD).

Zimbabwe:
Late planted maize crop was reportedly being attacked by Fall Armyworm in most parts of the country.

Mozambique, Kenya and Zambia:
There were no reports of any Armyworm outbreaks received from these member countries during the month.

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OUTLOOK (Apr – Jun 2017):

African Armyworm outbreaks are likely to continue in northern Tanzania. There is low probability of African Armyworm outbreaks occurring in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe as the Armyworm season is coming to an end. However, the prevalence of the invasive Fall Armyworm in the coming few months is not clear and Member States are advised to continue monitoring the pest on irrigated crops.

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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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