However, until specimens of the suspected fall armyworm (FAW) that have been collected by the Agricultural Research Council and North West University are identified by a taxonomist, it cannot be confirmed. Initial indications nevertheless are that that the collected specimens are indeed FAW, Grain SA said in a statement.
Initial indications nevertheless are that that the collected specimens are indeed FAW, Grain SA said in a statement.
FAW is a quarantine pest with a broad host range which includes crops such as cotton, soya beans and maize. It is also suspected that FAW may have developed resistance against some groups of chemical pesticides such as pyrethroids. The fall armyworm is part of the order of Lepidoptera and is the larval life stage of a fall armyworm moth.
Grain producers can contact Jan Hendrik Venter, scientist manager of Plant Health Early Warnings at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) on 072 348 8431 or 012 319 6384 if they notice any suspicious worms in the fields on their farms.
