Latest African Armyworm Forecast from ETOP – 5th May 2016

SYNOPSIS:

African armyworm caterpillars were reported attacking maize in Mwatate and Taveta SubCounties and pasture in Buguta in Voi Sub-County in Kenya during the 2nd dekad of April. Outbreaks were not detected in Tanzania during this month, but considerable numbers of moths were reported in pheromone traps in Mbeya region in the southcentral part of the country during this period.

CURRENT SITUATION:

African armyworm caterpillars were reported attacking maize in Mwatate and Taveta Sub-Counties and pasture in Buguta in Voi Sub-County in sub-coastal Kenya during the 2nd dekad of April. The outbreaks were controlled by the affected farmers with technical and material assistance from MoA. Significant moth catches were reported in Mbeya region in south-central Tanzania. Other countries in the region remained free from of armyworm outbreaks during this month (DLCO-EA, IRLCO-CSA).

FORECAST FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS:

African armyworm outbreaks will likely continue in Kenya, commence in northern Tanzania and perhaps start appearing in southern Ethiopia during the forecast period. Armyworm coordinators and CBAMFEW and non-CBAMFEW forecasters are advised to remain vigilant and report trap catches to concerned authorities on time for interventions (DLCO-EA, IRLCO-CSA, OFDA/AELGA).