Armyworm outbreak

Matabeleland North, Manicaland and Midlands provinces — has raised fears that hundreds of hectares of maize and pastures could be destroyed if appropriate measures are not taken.

This will further affect the anticipated low maize yield that had been caused by delayed onset of rains.
Agritex Plant Protection Research Institute head, Dr Godfrey Chikwenhere, confirmed the armyworm outbreak saying the pests, first discovered in Mashonaland Central province, were spreading at an alarming rate across the country.

He said his department was distributing Carbaryl and boom sprays required for containing the outbreak, adding that though over 2 800kg of the chemical had been bought, it was not enough, considering the magnitude of the outbreak.

“This year we were prepared to deal with any armyworm outbreak as we have been able to procure Carbaryl, which is used to kill the pests. We are, however, not confident that the chemical will be enough,” he said.