Thread by @onias_mlambo

1/12 @Agricura_ZW Agronomy Tip 18/365. Fall Armyworm (FAW) is a devastating trans-boundary pest of Maize. The pest displays a wide host range attacking over 80 different plant species including major crops e.g. Cotton, Groundnuts, Sorghum, Wheat, Potatoes, Soyas
@basera_john

2/12 Its polyphagous nature present challenges in
management due to the presence of alternative hosts outside the production season of main
crops. So far losses due to confirmed/suspected infestations of FAW in Maize, Sorghum, Rice & sugarcane in African countries
@MoLAWRR_Zim

3/12 have been estimated at USD13.38 billion (CABI, 2017). Loss of yields of major food crops will have dire consequences on livelihoods of people in affected regions of Africa
@AgritexS @basera_john @MoLAWRR_Zim @agribusiness110 @faosfsafrica @Rusere_Ronald @MaminiminiObert

4/12 FAW is migratory in nature & moths fly for over 100km/Night. The FAW caterpillar attacks all stages of Maize growth i.e. Seedling, vegetative, tasseling & grain filling stages
@MoLAWRR_Zim @Agricura_ZW @basera_john @MaminiminiObert @mrLethario @WendyMadzura @Rusere_Ronald

5/12 MONITORING & MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: Deep ploughing exposes pupae to sun, birds & insects. Early planting. Boosting crop growth vigour to withstand infestation & damage. Scouting - early detection of the pest allows quick & timely response
@MoLAWRR_Zim @basera_john @MM_Garden1

6/12 Destroy the eggs, larvae & pupae in the crop residues after harvest by deep burying plant residues in soil (at least 12cm deep). Practice crop rotation - alternate Maize with crops that are not attacked by FAW e.g.
Cassava. Intercropping with pigeon pea, beans @MoLAWRR_Zim

7/12 Groundnuts can attract more beneficial insects & can
help repel FAW & control other weeds. If you notice the number of eggs or caterpillars are few, handpick & crush them (small gardens or few affected plants)
@basera_john @JohnDe90979343 @agribusiness110 @Rusere_Ronald

8/12 FAW is food for certain birds & insects. Growing trees, hedgerows & a variety of crops helps increase the number of these predators that can feed on the FAW & will help to reduce infestation in the farm
@MoLAWRR_Zim @basera_john @WendyMadzura @BongayiGokoma @sgokoma09

9/12 When to apply pesticides: If you find 10/50 randomly selected Maize plants are affected then start spraying with the recommended/right pesticides. For the pesticides to be effective you must spray early in the morning
@basera_john @Fifi_dvc @SandraNabasirye @akin_adesina

10/12 From 6:00-10:00am or late afternoon 3:00-6:00pm provided the conditions are favorable for spraying because FAW actively feeds at night. Spray using the cone-shaped nozzle as this will target the plant & the maize funnel
@basera_john @CdeNMaswerasei @WendyMadzura @AgritexS

11/12 INSECTICIDES TO CONSIDER: Various insecticides are available e.g. Emamectin benzoate + Lufenuron, Cartap hydrochloride, Belt, Lannate/Methomyl, Avaunt/Indoxacarb. These products are readily available at
@Agricura_ZW @basera_john @MoLAWRR_Zim @AgritexS @agribusiness110

12/12 Carbaryl 85WP e.t.c ALWAYS remember to alternate insecticides with different modes of action to avoid
development of pesticide resistance. Always use a clean pump & clean water for mixing the insecticides
@Agricura_ZW @BongayiGokoma @basera_john @MoLAWRR_Zim @Zimpapers