Oct

Latest Armyworm Forecast (IRLCO-CSA) – Oct 2018

Forecasts

Synopsis

Fall Armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda): FAW damage on irrigated maize continued to be reported in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

African Armyworm (AAW) (Spodoptera exempta): There were no reports of AAW outbreaks in any of the IRLCO-CSA Member Countries.

Current Situation (up to end of September)

Fall Armyworm (FAW)

Malawi

Fall Armyworm damage was reported in all areas where irrigated maize was under cultivation. Affected farmers undertook control using conventional pesticides and in some cases used concoctions of local plant extracts.

Tanzania

Fall Armyworm damage to maize was reported in Baliadi and Miyatu districts in Simiyu region. Control was undertaken by affected farmers with technical assistance from the Agriculture Extension Service.

Mozambique, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Though no reports of Fall Armyworm damage were received, low density populations were likely to be present in many areas.

African Armyworm (AAW)

There were no reports of African Armyworm outbreaks from any Member Country. The situation is likely to change with short rains expected to commence in Kenya and Tanzania where the primary outbreak areas are located. Member Countries are advised to ensure pheromone traps are serviced before the start of the Armyworm outbreak season.

Outlook (October – December 2018)

Fall Armyworm (FAW)

Irrigated maize crop will continue to be reservoir of the Fall Armyworm until the start of the rain season when infestations will spread to rain fed crops.

African Armyworm (AAW)

AAW outbreak season will start with the onset of seasonal rains in November/December. Plant Protection units in Member States are advised to ensure that pheromone traps are operational at the start of the rain season when the risk of crop devastation is high.

Acknowledgements

This forecast is published by Lancaster University’s Armyworm Network: http://www.armyworm.org/. It is an extract from the Migratory Pest Situation report published by the International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and Southern Africa (IRLCO-CSA) compiled using information gathered by staff of IRLCO-CSA with contributions by staff of Plant Protection units in Member States.