Armyworm outbreak in selected areas of Zambia

There is an outbreak of Army worms in some parts of Zambia. In this regard, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock would like to urge all farmers to be vigilant and report any suspicious worms to the nearest agricultural office for verification.

The ministry is on high alert and is monitoring the army worm outbreak as agricultural officers have been sent in the field to take remedial measures on the spot in the affected areas.

The armyworms have destroyed a total of seventy eight thousand, six hundred and sixty six (78,666) hectares of crop, affecting seventy three thousand, five hundred and ninety three smallholder farmers in the country.

The government through the ministry of agriculture has since sourced for funds to purchase one thousand, five hundred and seventy seven (1,577) tons of maize seed to distribute to farmers for re-planting in the affected areas.

Farmers are therefore advised to plant early maturing maize varieties of 400 to 500 series which mature within 110 and 130 days from planting.

Re-planting seed from the government is being distributed through the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and selected Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) under the supervision of the District Agricultural Coordinators.

Only farmers whose crop has been destroyed by armyworms will be eligible for receiving re-planting seed. The Ministry has a record of the affected farmers in thirty three (33) districts.

We advise farmers in the affected areas to spray their field with Cypermethrin, Malathion, Fenvelate, Denitrothion, Diazion or Dursban 4E.

Farmers who not have the chemicals should approach the district agricultural co-ordinators’ office for free spraying.

The ministry of agriculture and livestock has since setup a national armyworm alert call centre to enable farmers and the general public to report any suspicious worms to the ministry officials for immediate identification and subsequent action.

To contact the call centre, farmers are advised to call 988 (on all mobile networks) in the country and land lines.

How to Control Armyworms

Armyworms feed on food crops and garden plants at night. When the food supply is gone, they move en masse to a new site. Hence the name army worm. Armyworms can destroy an entire plant in just one evening, and there may be as many as three generations in one year.

Instructions

Know what you're looking for. Armyworms are 1 1/2 inch caterpillars that are pale green when first hatched but then change to olive green with a white stripe later in the season. They turn into moths that are gray-brown with a white dot on the wing.

Look for armyworms on the undersides of leaves and on tender new growth. You will notice holes in the leaves of new growth, most often in the spring or early summer months.3

Rake up fallen leaf debris to eliminate daytime hiding places for armyworms.

Encourage hungry birds to visit your garden to help control armyworms by setting out feeders, birdbaths or nesting material in the area where the worms are feeding.

Attract predatory wasps that will control armyworms by planting dill, fennel, coreopsis and brightly colored flowers near the armyworm-prone plants.

Use horticultural oil in July to kill the eggs of second-generation armyworms.

Spray Bacillus thuringiensis, an organic control for caterpillars, in the late afternoon or early evening hours when you see the first signs of armyworm damage in your garden. Bacillus thuringiensis (or Bt) is actually a bacteria and is safe to use around children and pets. There are also numerous chemical sprays available to control armyworms.

Spray during the dormant season (winter) with a dormant-season oil spray to head off recurring infestations - armyworm eggs may overwinter in fallen debris. This is a good preventative measure.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray pesticides during the period of the day when the insects are most active to get the best control.
• Always try the least toxic method of pest control as your first step.
• Although Bt is organic and safe to use, it will kill all types of caterpillars, including butterfly larvae. Spray only the plants that are affected by the armyworms and mix only the amount of spray you will use at one time.
• If you use chemical pesticides in your garden, you will kill natural predators of armyworms.
• If you choose a chemical control, always wear protective clothing and safety gear, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, neoprene gloves, goggles and a respirator.