Latest African Armyworm Forecast from ETOP – 5th Jan 2016

SYNOPSIS:

African armyworm outbreaks were reported in Malawi and Zimbabwe during December where control operations were carried out by the affected farmers with material assistance from the Ministries of Agriculture IRLCO-CSA).

CURRENT SITUATION:

In Malawi sporadic outbreaks occurred in Kasungu, Machinga, Shire Valley and Blantyre Agricultural Development Divisions (ADDs) during December where control operations were carried out by the affected farmers with material assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture.

In Zimbabwe, outbreaks were reported in the Nyamaropa area north of Manicaland province and considerable numbers of trap catches were also reported in Mashonaland Central province where MinAgri is closely monitoring the situation (IRLCO-CSA).

The Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, a close relative of the African armyworm was reported causing damage to maize crop in Zambia and Zimbabwe where, according to IRLCO-CSA, thousands of hectares were affected and the Ministries of Agriculture distributed pesticides to affected farmers. In Malawi, the Ministry of Agriculture was investigating a similar attack.

FORECAST FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS:

African armyworm outbreaks are likely to continue in Malawi and Zimbabwe and appear in other countries in the region during the forecast period and will gradually decline towards the end of the outlook period.

Fall armyworm is likely to continue appearing and attack maize and cause damage kernels during seed developments occur (IRLCO-CSA).

CREDIT:

This forecast comes from and uses material provided by DLCO-EA, IRLCO-CSA and OFDA/AELGA.