Fall Armyworm: Chronicle

African countries have been hit by an invasion of the fall armyworm pest which is posing a huge threat to the region`s agricultural crops that are yet to be harvested. The trans-boundary pests have raised alarm in southern Africa as many economies in this part of the region still depend on agriculture and trade on agricultural produce as pillars of the economy.

The fall armyworm is a destructive pest originating from the Americas. The fall armyworm consumes just about anything that stands in its path. They mostly go for anything that is red, yellow and green and crops that are still to be harvested are always in danger of being laid to waste if this pest shows up.

The fall armyworm must not be confused with the African armyworm which has been racking havoc to Africa`s crops for many years. The danger with the fall armyworm is that African authorities have not dealt with it before. It is quicker, hungry and destroys almost all the crops in a field.   They make a tricky pest because they are active during the day and night but also hide during the day. They also burrow into the stem of the crop which makes it difficult to spot their presence until the harm is already done.

Countries which have registered seeing the presence of the fall armyworm and are already witnessing the destructive nature of this pest include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, and Kenya. All countries on the continent remain at risk of invasion from the fall armyworm as the moths that carry these pests can travel long distances and usually do so at night such that when they land on a field they are unnoticed.

Most countries across the continent are coming out of a drought induced by the El Nino effect and the presence of the fall armyworm is not good news for Africa`s hopes of a prosperous agricultural season with a bountiful harvest. If the fall armyworm, a trans-boundary pest, is not contained and dealt with in time, Africa`s food security will remain at risk.

Characteristics of the fall armyworm

  • They feed on maize, sugarcane, sorghum, potatoes, tobacco, and other leafy crops that will stand in their way.
  • The larvae are light green, brown or gray with distinct three stripes along their body
  • They have an eighth abdominal segment with four dark spots.
  • Ther heads have a dark net-like pattern and an upside down like “y” marking.
  • Their presence can be announced by destruction to the leaves of plants which may range from small holes to ragged elongated holes on the leaves.

 

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