Editor's noteLocal news
Army worm invasion detected in KZN
KZN Department of Agriculture to take swift action
This pest is a good flyer and cannot be contained in a specific area. Damage reported in SouthAfrica so far is mainly on yellow maize varieties and especially on sweetcorn as well as maize planted for seed production. Reports of caterpillar damage have been received mainly from the Limpopo and North West provinces.
The South African Emergency Plant Pest Response Plan is already in motion which deals with new pest detections in South Africa.
The actions implemented depend on the pest, the extent of the spread and extent of the damage. Now that there is a positive identification, DAFF will continue with assessment of spread and damage, awareness actions to provide farmers with accurate technical information and control options. Pheromone traps will be imported into South Africa to determine the exact extent of the spread and the specific strain of FAW present in South Africa. Diagnostic support has been increased to deal the bulk of
sample identification. DAFF is working closely with Provincial Departments of Agriculture and farmers to assess damage on farm level, to determine other hosts affected and to implement roadshows where farming communities are made aware of the pest.
As the FAW is a new pest to South Africa, no pesticide was previously registered to be used
against it. A process of emergency registration of agricultural chemicals is initiated for urgent
registration. Chemical suppliers are therefore encouraged to apply for emergency
registration of agricultural chemicals to be used on maize and other host plants against
Spodoptera frugiperda.
In the interest of human safety and pest resistance management, the department
encourages the use of registered products in terms of the fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agricultural
Remedies, and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947). The end users should work
hand in hand with DAFF, pesticide manufacturers, distributors, Co-ops and consultants for
technical advice.
DAFF has also initiated a plant pest action group which consists of members from several
producers associations and industries which may be affected by this pest. The group will
meet regularly and progressively determine the way forward to manage this pest.
The presence of the pest will be notified on the International Plant Protection Convention’s
portal in terms of South Africa’s international pest reporting obligations. SADC member
countries will also be notified and regional control measures will be discussed.
