Unprecedented Armyworm Outbreaks Plague Zimbabwe, Government Mobilizes Resources

By Ilyana Sithole

Zimbabwe has witnessed the most extensive ever recorded instances of African Armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) infestations in its worst episodes in 25 years, as the Fall armyworm threat continues to loom, Honourable Minister Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, noted.

The Migratory Pests Control Department has also reported a sharp increase in African armyworm infestations, with 30 districts across all the provinces now infested, compared to the five provinces and nine districts infested last season. “African armyworm infestations occur between December and April due to winds that bring rains into Zimbabwe bringing along rains,” Dr. Masuka said.

The unquenchable African armyworm, with huge appetite, poses a great menace to young crops such as maize, sorghum, rapoko, sugarcane, and pastures. Manicaland (all districts), Masvingo (Masvingo and Chiredzi), and Midlands (Zvishavane and Mberengwa) are the current hotspots. The 14-28 day damaging caterpillar stage can destroy crops in a matter of days. “We are actively collecting data on the affected areas and the progress of our control efforts,” said Dr. Masuka.

In response to the crisis, the Ministry has sent more than 220 kilograms of supplemental chemicals to all provinces and is offering full technical assistance. “We are encouraging support from stakeholders to move chemicals to affected areas so as to contain the outbreaks never witnessed in the past 25 years,” the Minister stressed.

The Fall armyworm, the long-standing pest that arrived in 2016, continues to devastate cereal crops throughout the country. The pest, capable of completing 12-13 generations annually, inflicts damage from germination to reproductive stages. Dr. Masuka highlighted the Ministry’s recent demonstration of seed treatment as a crucial component of an integrated pest management strategy. “We are committed to making seed treated against Fall armyworm available in the upcoming seasons,” he affirmed.

Ongoing surveillance is being conducted by Agritex Officers and farmers, with reports channeled through the National Pest Command Centre hotline and Provincial Command WhatsApp groups. Farmers are advised to rotate insecticides to mitigate the risk of resistance. The government has also distributed 39,893,750 units of Demise and 41,307 knapsack sprayers through the Presidential Inputs Support programme to aid in Fall armyworm control.

Additionally, the Ministry is addressing cricket infestations in areas like Hwange, providing chemical and technical assistance to minimize yield losses. Looking ahead, the Ministry’s plans include continued surveillance for both armyworm species, enhanced reporting through Pest Command Centres, and monitoring the effectiveness of control measures. Surveillance of quelea breeding grounds will also commence to protect traditional grains.

“We will continue to provide timely alerts based on our Early Warning System data and raise awareness through various platforms, including the National Pest Command Centre, Provincial Command Centres, media houses, and radio stations,” Dr. Masuka assured. Capacity building through training and awareness on integrated management approaches, with a focus on seed treatment for Fall armyworm, will remain a priority.