Faith Ndou
CHIREDZI-The Department of Agricultural Extension Services (AGRITEX) in Chiredzi has urged farmers to remain vigilant against fall armyworm and African armyworm, which pose a serious threat to crops at the current growth stage.
Chiredzi Agricultural Extension Officer, Tongai Bodi, said most crops in the district are still at the vegetative growth stage, particularly cereals and legumes, making them vulnerable to pest attacks.
“Most of our crops are still at the vegetative stage, especially cereals and legumes. We are encouraging farmers to be on the lookout for fall armyworm and African armyworm,” said Bodi.
He explained that recent wet spells have created favourable conditions for the rapid multiplication of these pests.
“The wet conditions we have been experiencing usually favour these pests to multiply in numbers. As a result, farmers need to conduct regular field scouting,” he added.
Bodi encouraged farmers to work closely with AGRITEX Agricultural Business Advisory officers to ensure correct identification of the pests and adherence to recommended threshold levels before taking action.
“We advise farmers to work hand in glove with our Agricultural Business Advisory officers so they can be guided on the correct threshold levels before any intervention is carried out,” he said.
He noted that pest control can be done through cultural, physical, chemical, or integrated methods, depending on the severity of the infestation.
“Intervention can be cultural, physical, chemical, or integrated, where all three methods are used together, to effectively control the pests and minimise economic damage to crops,” Bodi explained.
He also urged farmers to observe safety precautions when using chemicals.
“Farmers must take note of all safety measures when applying chemicals to avoid poisoning and protect their health,” he said.
AGRITEX continues to encourage early detection and timely intervention to safeguard crop yields in the vast district.
