Agriculture dept confirms armyworm invasion

It is the first time this pest has been detected in South Africa.

Agriculture ministry spokesperson Bomikazi Molapo says: "The department can confirm that we today received diagnostic reports from the Agricultural Research Council that confirms the fall armyworm. It was positively identified from samples collected in Limpopo."

Farmers in North West have also reported the destructive caterpillar.

The armyworm infiltrates maize crops.

Countries with confirmed outbreaks can face import bans on agricultural products.

The pest can also cause extensive damage to crops and has a preference for maize, the regional staple.

However, Molapo says it's too early say whether or not an import ban is likely.

 "The presence of the pest will be notified on the International Plant Protection Convention, in terms of South Africa's international pest reporting obligation. All SADC countries will also be notified and regional control measures will be discussed."

There are currently no registered pesticides to combat the fall armyworm, but the department of agriculture says it is currently registering such pesticides.

More tests will need to be conducted to determine the extent of the invasion.

"We are setting in motion our plant pest response plan which deals with all the new pest detections in South Africa. The department will continue with the assessment of the spread as well as the damage caused by the pest," Molapo says.

Assistance will be offered to farmers.

"We will continue with our awareness action to provide farmers with accurate and technical information as well as control options."

Pheromone traps will be imported to assist scientists to determine the exact extent of the spread and the specific strain of the fall armyworm present in the country.

Edited by: Marius van der Walt