03 Mar 2020

Farmers have been advised to plant their fields early to reduce the Fall Armyworm population.

The advice came from the Serowe agricultural demonstrators during their visit to Dithojane fields near Serowe recently where the worm had destroyed maize fields. 

The farmers learnt that the Fall Armyworm population build up later in the crop season hence the need to plant the field early.

It was against this backdrop that farmers were also cautioned against planting the fields at different times as this provided a continuous source of food for the worm. 

Where possible, they were told to also plant maize varieties resistant to armyworm.

Dr Willis Ochilo from Centre for Agriculture Bio-Science International said it was important for farmers to ensure optimum use of fertiliser for healthy maize plants to compensate for pest damage.

He said practising crop rotation would also help to break the pest cycle adding that they should look for the feeding signs in the central leaves and elongated holes.

Concerning the direct control, he said they should avoid spraying broad-spectrum synthetic insecticides which might kill beneficial insects or harm the applicator.

Dr Ochilo said personal protective equipment must be worn to minimize exposure to insecticides.

Other control measures farmers were advised on include practising field sanitation by making sure that crop fields were weed-free as some weeds may act as alternative hosts to pest.

They were also told that traditional or indigenous control measures could be used such as applying wood ash, salty water, pepper and snuff and others.

Signs and symptoms of Fall Armyworm attack include skeletonised leaves and healthy windowed whorls, dotted with large amounts of faecal matter as well as the presence of the Fall Armyworm larvae on the plant. 

The agricultural demonstrators were accompanied by members of the media to get first-hand information, appreciate the damages and learn more about the Fall Armyworm. Ends