Latest African Armyworm Forecast from ETOP – 6th Mar 2015

SYNOPSIS: African armyworm outbreaks reported in southern TANZANIA and MOZAMBIQUE. New outbreaks are forecast for central outbreak areas in TANZANIA and KENYA.

CURRENT SITUATION:
African armyworm (AAW) outbreaks were reported in Sofala (Nhamatanda, Gorongosa, Buzi, Dondo Chemba districts), Manica (Barue, Vanduzi, Gondola, Chimoio,, Macate, Sussundanga districts) and Tete (Tete and Moatize districts) in Mozambique in February. The pest was reported attacking maize, rice, sorghum and pasture on some 3,326 ha of which close to 297 ha were reported lost as a result. Affected farmers carried out control operations with technical and material (insecticides and sprayers) assistance from the MoA. AAW outbreaks were also reported in Tanzania in the southern region (IRLCO-CSA).

FORECAST UNTIL MID-APR 2015:
Armyworm outbreaks will continue in Kenya and Tanzania during the forecast period (IRLCO-CSA, OFDA/AELGA).