25 February 2025
An outbreak of African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) has been reported in Limpopo and surrounding areas, including Groblersdal, Carolina, Badplaas, Pretoria North, and Bronkhorstspruit.
Key Concerns:
• Feeds on grasses and grains (e.g., maize, millet).
• Pasture damage (e.g., kikuyu grass can release toxic compounds harmful to livestock).
• Control options include synthetic pyrethroids (cost considerations) and natural predators.
Report Sightings to the below numbers: The locality of infestation (district, farm name); Size of infestation (number of hectares); Crop infested; Your name and a contact number.
- Hiresh Ramanand: 082 497 6975
- Dr. Gerhard Verdoorn: 082 446 8946
- Vuyokazi Jongwana: 060 718 4357 (DALRRD Official)
- Khuliso Gangashe: 067 410 6103 (DALRRD Official)
Stay alert and act swiftly to protect crops and livestock.
African-Armyworm-outbreaks-warning-1
