CropLife SA has learned about the outbreak of the dreaded Fall Armyworm (FAW) in maize in the area between Badplaas and Carolina in Mpumalanga. It is likely to be found in other provinces such as North West, Limpopo, Gauteng, the Free State, northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal and some parts of the Northern Cape. Maize farmers are particularly vulnerable to this invasive pest species and should be on high alert for moth swarms late afternoon, egg parcels on maize leaves and caterpillars. Farmers are advised to read the CropLife SA position statement on www.croplife.co.za/FAW as well as the IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee) document on
www.croplife.co.za/IRAC_FAW.
Farmers who suspect that they may have FAW in their crops should take good quality photographs with their smartphones and send via WhatsApp to dr. Gerhard Verdoorn of CropLife SA on 082 446 8946. Vegetable farmers and cotton farmers should also scout for FAW moths late afternoon. Pheromone traps are very useful for scouting and can be used effectively for early warning of FAW invasion.
For more information contact CropLife SA on 087 980 5163 or info@croplife.co.za
Best wishes
The CropLife SA team
CROPLIFE SOUTH AFRICA
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
310 Lougardia Building, c/o Hendrik Verwoerd drive & Embankment road, Centurion, 0157
CONTACT DETAILS:
+27 (0)87 980 5163 | info@croplife.co.za
