Latest African Armyworm Forecast from ETOP – 6th Jan 2016

SYNOPSIS:
African armyworm outbreaks were reported in several districts in Malawi, where affected farmers carried out control operations with material and technical assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture.

CURRENT SITUATION:
Small-scale armyworm outbreaks were reported in Blantyre, Machinga, Salima and Kasungu Agricultural Development Divisions (ADDs) in Malawi during December. Affected farmers carried out control operations with material and technical support from the MoA. African armyworm activities were not reported in other outbreak or invasion countries during this time(IRLCO-CSA).

FORECAST FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS:

Armyworm outbreaks will likely continue in Malawi and probably spread to Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Other outbreak or invasion countries, particularly in the central and northern region will likely remain calm during the forecast period.

National armyworm entities, including armyworm coordinators, trap operators and CBAMFEW and non-CBAMFEW forecasters are advised to remain vigilant, monitor trap catches and report armyworm detections to concerned authorities rapidly to enable timely interventions (IRLCO-CSA, OFDA/AELGA).