Latest African Armyworm Forecast from ETOP – 5th Mar 2016

SYNOPSIS:

African armyworm outbreaks were reported in Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique in February. Outbreaks will continue in Tanzania and commence in Kenya during the forecast period

CURRENT SITUATION:

A late received update reported armyworm outbreaks attacking maize, sorghum, rice and pasture in Malawi and Tanzania.
In Malawi, the outbreaks were first detected late December in Kasungu, Machinga, Salima, Blantyre and Shire Valley Agricultural Development Divisions (ADD) and continued into January. The pest caused mild to moderate damage to maize, sorghum, rice and pasture in 2,864 ha and affected 9,324 households. Affected farmers carried out control with material and technical support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development (IRLCO-CSA).
In Tanzania, AAW outbreaks were reported on maize, rice and pasture in Liwale district of Lindi Region during January. The outbreaks continued in February and reached Dar es Salaam (Mbagala area), Coast (Kibaha district) and Arusha Region (Meru District). Affected farmers carried out control with technical and material assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives. Moth catches were also reported in Morogoro, Mbeya, Arusha and Manyara regions in Tanzania during this month.
In Mozambique, AAW outbreaks were reported in Manica, Sofala and Zambezia Provinces and control operations were launched by the affected farmers (details were not available at the time this report was compiled).

FORECAST FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS:
The African armyworm season will gradually end in the southcentral and southern outbreak regions in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe during the forecast period, but will continue in Tanzania and commence in Kenya during the forecast period. Armyworm coordinators and CBAMFEW and non-CBAMFEW forecasters are advised to remain vigilant and rapidly report trap catches to concerned authorities for timely interventions (IRLCO-CSA, OFDA/AELGA).