Fall armyworm detected in KZN
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture has confirmed to Newswatch that the fall armyworm has been detected in the province.
The department says a farmer in the Tugela District discovered the worm and notified authorities.
A maize farmer in the uMkhanyakude District has also found the worm.
The fall armyworm eats away at vegetation and has been described as a threat to food security.
It's already been detected in parts of Gauteng and Limpopo.
Crop scientists say that there's a strong chance that the fall armyworm in KZN could spread - as it's been found in two areas.
Agriculture's Khaye Nkwanyane says the spread of the destructive worm species has been controlled on the two farms it's been found at.
"The fact that it has been identified on two farms in different districts of KZN means the likelihood of it spreading is greater," says Nkwanyane.