Scientists are asking for urgent action to contain the spread of the fall armyworm, a small larvae that the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (Cabi) believe could lead to agricultural problems across Africa.
The pest, which is rapidly spreading across the continent — is dangerous because it feasts on corn crops. Its appetite is so voracious that, if left unchecked, it could pose a major threat to both food security and agricultural trade. Reports show it could also create serious problems for farmers if it moves into Asia and the Mediterranean.
While the worm it is native to North and South America, researchers found it in Africa for the first time last year. That presence is such a threat the Food and Agriculture Organization has already planned emergency talks to figure out how to combat the issue.
Though nobody knows how the worm got to Africa, researchers believe it most likely came over through imported produce. Once in a new area, adult moths are able to cover great distances and rapidly spread their eggs into different regions.
“It likely traveled to Africa as adults or egg masses on direct commercial flights and has since been spread within Africa by its own strong flight ability and carried as a contaminant on crop produce,” said Matthew Cock, the chief scientist for Cabi, according to Reuters.
Not only has the fall armyworm been confirmed in west Africa, but it is also in southern and eastern parts of the continent as well. Scientists have found it in Zimbabwe, and reports state it may be in Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa as well. Those areas depend on corn for their diet and losing crops could cause them to suffer.
The FAO’s emergency meeting will occur in Harare between the 14th and 16th of February. There, the organization will decide how to properly respond and control the pest. Such methods need to be laid out quickly because, according to Cabi, it could take years to develop effective methods to control the pest. Zambia has used planes to spray crops with insecticides, but much more will have to be done to effectively combat the pest.
“This invasive species is now a serious pest spreading quickly in tropical Africa and with the potential to spread to Asia,” Cock added, according to BBC News. “Urgent action will be needed to prevent devastating losses to crops and farmers’ livelihoods.”
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