Corn |
Another pest attack has been observed, this time on a different
crop and at a different location. AgroNigeria drew the attention of the
Akwa Ibom State government to a recent outbreak of pest attack on maize
plants in the state. The discovery of the infestation was made in the
course of a regular interaction with grass root farmers in the
South-South. It was observed that the leaves of maize crops in the
neighborhood were highly perforated leaving the foliage damaged and
reduced in surface area. No maize stand is spared in the affected areas;
whole farmlands are totally affected.
Corn Earworm |
Interrogating a farmer, Mr Sylvester Edward, it was discovered that
the damage was caused by a pest attacking the crop. This discovery
prompted a state-wide investigation which revealed that maize crops in
all the three (3) senatorial districts of the state are equally
affected.
In view of the cost of the impending loss due to imminent poor
yield and their negative implication on household income with its
accompanied ripple effects on the economy, this ugly development was
reported immediately by AgroNigeria to the Akwa Ibom State government.
Receiving the information for the first time, the Director, Agric
Information Unit in the State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Akwaowo Obot,
swung into immediately action, though at the time locked out of office
because of Labour strike – “I am going to carry out a confirmation
research right away and then get back to the Permanent Secretary so the
ministry of agriculture can go to the state media and tell farmers what
to do.” He, however, decried the closure of the state secretariat where
the office of the State Ministry of Agriculture is located because of
Labour strike as a possible drawback in treating the challenge with the
urgency it requires. He speculated that if the pest is the stem borer,
almost 4cm in length, then ventox 45 which is readily available within
the state would be the pesticide for control.
However, further investigation by AgroNigeria in partnership with
Contec Global Agro Limited, Abuja, confirmed the pest as Corn Earworm, Helicoverpa zea. Mr Sunil Tanwar, the Agronomist
and Marketing Head, Contec Global Agro Limited gives an expert narrative
of the situation, the pest, control and preventive measures worthy of
note by all Nigerian farmers. Although some damage symptoms show
similarities, the Corn Earworm larva should not be confused with the
European Corn Borer larva which has a dirty white colour with dark brown
or black head. Ear Corn larva damages the leaves causing window
openings on the leaf lamina but it has more attack on the cob as they
penetrate the silk and eat grains” he said.
Corn Earworm |
On the bizarre observation that only maize crops planted late are
affected while early ones are untouched, the agronomist enlightened that
“The kernels, especially near the tip of the ear will be eaten down to
the cob [by the corn earworm]. By cutting off the silks, pollination is
prevented and poor ear fill may result. That is also one of the reasons
maize planted late is affected most.”
According to the agronomist, the application of Fixit GA (CGAL bio
insecticide) at regular intervals as a control measure can prevent the
economic damage to the crop. “We have a complete solution towards the
control of this pest. Fixit is the product which has the capability to
counter this pest. The product is cost effective and are not required in
large quantities. It is systemic in nature and remains in active form
for a long period and at the same time is non-toxic and does not have
any residual effect. The dosage for one hectare is 500gm for a single
spray; even if a farmer applies higher dosage than recommended, it does
not cause any phyto toxicity” he remarked.
He further disclosed the preventive measures which will guarantee
less losses and reduce overall cost to farmers in Akwa Ibom State and
the country at large: “Preventive measures include crop rotation with
legumes” stressing that controlling pest organically is the main key as
it does not have any residual/health hazards.
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