Kampala– Government has urged farmers in districts that have been invaded by African armywarm (Spodoptera Exempta) to stay calm as it works to fight the pest.
The warm which attacks cereals mostly millet, sorghum and maize has so far been reported in 12 districts including Luwero, Mukono, wakiso, Katakwi, Bukedea, Bugweri, Serere, Busia, Bugiri, Mityana, Kiryandongo and Namutumba.
Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries says is supporting the districts with Insecticides and pumps for demonstrations on control, working with the production and marketing teams at district and subcounty levels.
According to Charlotte Kemigyisha the ministry spokesperson, the warm can be controlled by an Insecticide – Cypermethrin 5EC- 100-120mls mixed in 20lts of water.
“It is worth noting that this outbreak/invasion is as a result of climate change. It is however expected that it will be suppressed by the rains.” Said Kemigyisha.
Local leaders in Amolatar and Kalaki districts have also reported invasion of the warm in their areas.
Francis Ojok, the Amolatar district production officer tells LBS Newsday that the invasion is reported in six sub counties of Namasale, Aci, Awelo, Etam, Arwotcek and Abeja leaving locals in fear.
Two sub counties of Otuboi and Ogwolo in Kalaki district have also reported outbreak of the warm.
The African armyworm is a species of moth of the family Noctuidae. The larvae often exhibit marching behavior when traveling to feeding sites, leading to the common name “armyworm”.
African armyworm outbreaks tend to be devastating for farmland and pasture in these areas, with the highest-density outbreaks occurring during the rainy season after periods of prolonged drought.
