ARMY WORMS INVADE ESWATINI, THREATEN CROPS

MBABANE - A new threat has emerged for Eswatini’s farmers: the African armyworm (Umgundzatjani). The Minister of Agriculture has issued a warning about the invasion of these destructive pests.  Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, addressed a conference convened to raise awareness about the recent invasion of the African armyworm.

Surge

The country’s rainy seoson typically runs from October to March. This period often sees a surge in insect activity due to increased vegetation growth and favourable breeding conditions.  He clarified that this particular armyworm is distinct from the Fall armyworm, a distinction he felt was crucial to make to prevent farmers from prematurely using harsh insecticides. Tshawuka described the African armyworm as dark green with two white longitudinal stripes on each side, noting its tendency to travel in groups, hence the name.

He reported infestations in several areas, including Sigwe, Mpuluzi, Ngculwini, Matsamo, Mayiwane, Gege, Nyonyane, Nhlambeni, Madlangempisi, and other locations yet to be reached by agricultural officers. The minister proceeded to suggest several control mechanisms, emphasising that chemical intervention should be a last resort.  He recommended mechanical control, such as digging a trench along the edge of the affected field, with the steep side of the trench facing the field to trap the worms.

Plough

Farmers are advised to plough a furrow, or umsele, between the advancing worms and their fields, effectively trapping the pests. He suggested using a tractor or ox-drawn plough to create the trench. Tshawuka also proposed biological control, encouraging farmers to utilise animals like chickens, which he described as having a taste for the worms. He suggested leading chickens to the infested area with scattered maize grains.

Regarding chemical control, Tshawuka stressed the importance of using environmentally friendly options, identifiable by a yellow stripe at the bottom of the chemical container, while discouraging the use of those with red stripes, which he deemed too dangerous. He specifically recommended Decis/Forte and Cypermethrin as effective yet less harmful alternatives to deadly pesticides.

These harsh chemicals pose a danger to beneficial organisms like bees, birds, livestock, and other wildlife, potentially causing further ecological damage. The minister stated that the ministry has mobilised senior extension officers to deploy their teams and address all emerging agricultural issues within their respective communities. In their social media page the Ministry of Agriculture is urging farmers to take immediate action to protect their fields. Two primary methods of control are being recommended.

The first is mechanical control, which involves creating a physical barrier to prevent the worms from reaching crops. As suggested by the minister, the mechanical method is suggested, whereby farmers utilise chickens or other fowls to naturally control the worm population by eating them. The ministry is urging farmers to be vigilant and report any sightings of the African armyworm immediately to their nearest extension officer.

Contact information for Extension Officers in each region has been provided: Hhohho: Cyclone Ntshakala – 7628 2814; Shiselweni: Mvuyo Mabaso – 7637 8114; Manzini: Mazwi Dlamini – 7648 1069; Lubombo: Phumelele Dlamini – 7617 5770. Prompt reporting and swift action are crucial to containing the invasion and minimizing crop losses. The Ministry is calling on all farmers to work together to protect the nation’s food security.

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