Army worm identified in Gauteng

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says it continues to liaise with farmers and the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to ensure a coordinated intervention. 

The department says it has already dispatched a crop scientist to verify suspected infestation in the Bronkhorstspruit area where the worm has affected yellow maize planted on 45-hectares of land.

"We have also received reports of suspected cases where we have dispatched our experts to go and verify in the north and north eastern parts of Tshwane," says the department's Roleta Lebelo.

The pest was first detected in maize crops in Limpopo and the North West, with fears that it's also been detected in Mpumalanga.

MEC Lebogang Maile has stressed that the spread of the army worms is a potential threat to food security and it negatively impacts on the economic activities of small scale farmers in the province. 

"Farmers cannot afford any further setbacks following the end of a long rainless season," says Maile.