By Nico van Burick

African armyworms (Spodoptera exempta) continue their advance, with the Free State Department of Agriculture reporting about 100 outbreaks in the province as of earlier this week. Affected areas include Jacobsdal, Luckhoff, Koffiefontein, Petrusburg, Perdeberg, Boshoff, Dealesville, Hoopstad, Bothaville, Bultfontein and Brandfort.

Prof. Andries Raath, Free State regional manager of TLU SA and vice-chairman of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO), notes that the reported outbreaks remain unverified and vary considerably in scale. He says the infestations are both unusual and unpredictable, and differ significantly from one district to another. In some areas, the outbreaks are relatively small, whereas in others they are more widespread.

The ongoing heavy rains are complicating control efforts, Prof. Raath says. Farmers must allow the grass to dry before applying pesticides. Another crucial factor is that the binder used for certain chemicals is diesel, which can further damage the already scant grazing at this stage. They’re hoping that, as temperatures rise, the outbreaks will shift westwards towards the Northern Cape.

He adds that a positive aspect is the swift response from farmers, which has helped to limit the damage.

“My expectation is that the situation will not be as severe as we initially feared. However, farmers must take appropriate measures, as the problem could escalate.”

Armyworms Still Marching — African armyworms (Spodoptera exempta). Photos: Prof. Andries Raath

Protecting cattle health

Jack Armour, operations manager at Free State Agriculture (FSA), reports that the number of outbreaks has begun to decline. Although armyworms are still present, he believes their spread across the province is not as rapid as initially feared.

He reiterates the importance of farmers ensuring their cattle remain healthy. When armyworms consume pasture, the grass releases cyanide in an effort to repel them. Livestock that graze intensively on this grass can ingest the cyanide, leading to poisoning, illness or even death. Symptoms may take up to 10 days to appear.

Farmers are advised to consult their veterinarians promptly and ensure they have the appropriate medication on hand to treat affected animals.

Northern Cape

In the Northern Cape, farmers have received pesticides and spraying equipment from the provincial Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development, in collaboration with the national government. Phemelo Manankong, spokesperson for the department, says farm workers are receiving training in safe handling of the spraying equipment and pesticides.

Mase Manopole, the MEC, will hand over more pesticides to farmers who have reported incidents of contamination on Friday.

A training session was also held for extension officers and district managers earlier this week to equip them with the skills to train farmers and farm workers in the handling of the chemicals, the correct application techniques, and the use of personal protective equipment.

Manopole says the authorities do not have the exact information on the number of outbreaks in the province. She urged farmers to report any suspected infestation to their extension officers, district managers or local agricultural unions so that the extent of the problem can be determined.