Latest African Armyworm Forecast from IRLCO-CSA – 4th Mar 2015

SYNOPSIS: African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta Walker) outbreaks occurred in Sofala, Manica and Tete Provinces of MOZAMBIQUE. Crops attacked included rice, maize, Sorghum and grass pasture.
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CURRENT SITUATION:

Mozambique: Armyworm outbreaks were reported in Provinces of Sofala (Nhamatanda, Gorongosa, Buzi, Dondo Chemba districts), Manica (Barue, Vanduzi, Gondola, Chimoio,, Macate, Sussundanga districts) and Tete (Tete and Moatize districts). The pest was reported attacking maize, rice, sorghum and grass pasture. Total area infested was estimated at 3 326 ha and 296.63 ha of these were lost to the pest. The affected farmers carried out control with technical and material (insecticides and sprayers) assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe: Armyworm There were no reports of Armyworm outbreaks in these IRLCO-CSA Member Countries.
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OUTLOOK (Mar – May 2015):
The Armyworm outbreak season is coming to an end in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. There is therefore, low to medium likelihood of
Armyworm outbreaks occurring during the months of March, April and May 2015 in these countries. However, the Armyworm outbreak season continues in Kenya and Tanzania. There is a likelihood of outbreaks occurring in these two Member countries after the onset of rains in March 2015.

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CREDIT:

This forecast is issued by the International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and Southern Africa, with thanks to The Director at IRLCO-CSA and contributions by staff of Plant Protection units in its Member Countries. Learn more about IRLCO-CSA