NEW: Farmers urged to be on lookout for fall armyworm amid rising infestations 

Online Reporter

FARMERS have been urged to continue being on the lookout for the fall armyworm as more infestations are being reported countrywide.

Migratory Pests and Biosecurity Control Department director Mr Shingirayi Nyamutukwa said there is an increased risk of the fall armyworm outbreaks in the current cropping season due to the El Niño weather phenomenon affecting the region.

“The El Niño has an increase in temperatures so the higher the temperatures the faster the reproduction rate of these adult armyworms,” he said.

“We need to be alert and farmers should know that insects such as the fall armyworm can cause huge damage in a short period.”