Latest African Armyworm Forecast from ETOP – 3rd Feb 2017
SYNOPSIS:
African armyworm (AAW) outbreaks continued in Malawi, Tanzania and Zimbabwe during January. The pest was reported attacking thousands of hectares of maize crops (IRLCO, Media outlets).
Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) (FAW), an armyworm species alien to the region was reported (IRLCO-CSA) destroying maize in Zambia and Zimbabwe in January. The pest was first reported in mid-December 2016 and continued appearing in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. According to IRLCO-CSA, the infestation subsided by the end of January 2017 due to intensive control operations undertaken by farmers in the affected countries with material (pesticides, sprayers) and technical assistance from their respective governments. In addition to providing material and technical support to the affected farmers, Ministries of agriculture (MoA) in the affected countries launched assessment mission to determine the extent of damage and evaluate the potential impact on maize production in the affected areas. The pest costs Brazil, the 3rd largest maize produces after the USA and China, $600 million in control each year.
CURRENT SITUATION:
African Armyworm (AAW):
AAW outbreaks were reported in Matebeleland North Province in Zimbabwe where the pest was reported attacking grass pasture and control operations were in progress.
In Malawi, AAW outbreak was reported affecting a small area in Shire Valley Agriculture Development Division and controlled by affected farmers.
In Mozambique, AAW was reported in Manica, Sofala and Tete Provinces where the pest was reported damaging maize, rice and grass pasture. Affected farmers carried out control operations with material and technical assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture.
In Tanzania, mild outbreaks were reported in Morogoro and Lindi Regions. The pest was controlled by the affecting farmers with material (pesticides) and technical assistance from Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
There were no reports of AAW outbreaks in Kenya and Zambia during this time (IRLCO-CSA).
Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) (FAW):
FAW is an armyworm species alien to the region was reported (IRLCO-CSA) destroying maize in Zambia and Zimbabwe during January. The pest was first reported in mid-December 2016 and continued appearing in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
According to IRLCO-CSA, the infestation subsided by the end of January 2017 thanks to intensive control operations undertaken by farmers in the affected countries with material (pesticides, sprayers) and technical assistance from their respective governments. In addition to providing material and technical support to the affected farmers, Ministries launched assessments to determine the extent of damage and evaluate the potential impact on maize production in
the affected areas. In early 2016, FAW was also detected in South-West Nigeria and neighboring Sao Tome and Principe, Benin and Togo.
FORECAST FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS:
AAW outbreaks will occur in Kenya and northern Tanzania, but Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe will likely witness isolated outbreaks during the forecast period.
Where applicable, CABMFEW famer and community forecasters must remain vigilant and report any trap catches on time to concerned authorities to facilitate rapid interventions (DLCO-EA, IRLCOCSA, OFDA/AELGA).
CREDIT:
This forecast comes from and uses material provided by DLCO-EA, IRLCO-CSA and OFDA/AELGA.
