Farmers fret over fall armyworm

Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
MAIZE farmers in Manicaland are urged to continue monitoring their crops for fall armyworm— a pest that can devastate yields and reduce harvest tonnage if left unchecked.
A recent visit by The Manica Post to communal farmers in Rukweza Village, Makoni South, revealed an infestation of the pest, highlighting the need for prompt action to protect targeted harvests.
Farmers acknowledged receiving inputs under the Pfumvudza Programme, but noted the shortage of chemicals.
While the crop appears healthy from a distance, closer inspection reveals a disturbing picture— leaves responsible for producing food for the cob are under attack by the pest.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Manicaland Provincial Director, Mr Nhamo Mudada said there are isolated cases of the pest, and farmers should work closely with agricultural extension officers for expert guidance.
Regular scouting of the pest is crucial, as it allows farmers to assess the risk of crop loss and take necessary control measures to prevent unacceptable damage.
“There is no widespread outbreak yet in Manicaland. What we have are isolated reports coming through. We are encouraging farmers to continue scouting their crops and work closely with agricultural extension workers in their wards in terms of management of the fall armyworm.
“Farmers must scout and look for its eggs and implement control measures because if they do not scout early, the larva will become so big and resistant to chemicals. Farmers need to scout their fields at least every two days to monitor their crops and scout for pests and diseases. There are quite number of pesticides available that can eliminate the fall armyworm, which damages the leaves of the crop which are the source of the food for the crop, causing considerable effect on the final output,” said Mr Mudada.
Mrs Gamuchirai Bepete, of Handina area in Makoni South said her thriving maize crop is under threat from the pest, and may not meet her targeted harvest if no control measures are taken.
“We have an outbreak of fall armyworm in this area. The pest is attacking our maize crop which is now at the vegetative stage. If this persists, our harvest may be seriously compromised. We were expecting to harvest between February and March, but as it appears we may not harvest much despite the good rains we are receiving. Funds permitting, we will buy the pesticides to eliminate the pest,” she said.
Another farmer from the area, Mr Justman Kutya said the area is receiving good rains.
He commended Government for assisting them with free Pfumvudza inputs, but decried the fall armyworm outbreak which is now threatening his crop.
“We mainly specialise in maize production since it is our staple food. Maize performs well with adequate rains. This year the rains have been reliable, but our crop is being affected the fall armyworm,” said Mr Kutya.
Fall armyworm is an invasive moth which is difficult to detect and control.
It was first noticed in Africa in January 2016, causing damage to crops in several West African countries, according to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.