AFRICAN ARMYWORM OUTBREAK
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 of african armyworm with the following information 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.
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