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Agritex contains army worm threat |
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Tuesday, 07 February 2012 18:51 |
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 Agritex reports that it has contained army worm invasions in Centenary and Muzarabani areas which were threatening to destroy over 30 hectares of pastures and almost 10 hectares of small grain under cultivation.
Speaking to ZBC News, Agritex Plant Protection Research Institute Head, Dr. Godfrey Chikwenhere said the department has distributed carbaryl to all provinces in anticipation of any further outbreaks in all provinces.
Dr Chikwenhere said the damage though has been very minimal with the armyworm affecting less than five hectares of crop under cultivation.
In December last year, the worm invaded Kanyemba in Mashonaland Central and Zvimba in Mashonaland West.
An estimated 500 hectares of crops and pastures and nearly 10 hectares was reportedly affected.
Armyworm is a pest associated with the rainy season and is carried by wind.
The last serious armyworm threat was in 1991/1992 season, with the worst invasion being recorded in the 1981/1982 season.
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