The Sunday News
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
THE Government has managed to contain the outbreak of the African armyworm in Midlands Province, boosting chances of farmers to salvage something from this year’s harvest.
The African armyworm, which was first spotted in Somabhula had spread to Shurugwi, Zvishavane and Mberengwa and was threatening the crops that had managed to survive after a long dry spell. Midlands Crops and Livestock officer Mrs Medline Magwenzi said timely intervention from the Government through availing of chemicals managed to control the pests.
“Yes, we won the battle, so far the density dropped drastically and no new reports have been made. We managed to control those that were reported through spraying of chemicals. Our main wish was to control the worms before they could spread to other provinces,” she said.
Mrs Magwenzi said besides the use of chemicals, the rains that pounded the province also assisted in the control of the armyworm.
“Yes, it is true that the rains that fell also came in handy and assisted in wiping out the worm. Besides control measures that were taken, naturally the pest density has since dropped from 30 percent to about four percent,” said Mrs Magwenzi.
She said despite the availability of chemicals, there was no need to continue with control measures since there were no new cases being reported.
“We have chemicals in abundance but there is no need to continue spraying when the pest has been dealt with,” she said.
African armyworms travel from field to field in great numbers causing a lot of damage in a short space of time.
Their severity and extent of outbreaks are increased by extended drought followed by early season rainstorms.
Their major upsurge occurs in season of sporadic rains. Livestock losses can also be recorded due to armyworm outbreaks through a combination of starvation and poisoning.
