Scientists |
After finding a
temporary pesticide combination that works against the fall armyworm,
Uganda's scientists now seek a lasting solution to the pests that have
invaded more than half of the country posing a significant threat to
food security.
Agriculture
ministry officials told The EastAfrican that the armyworms have spread
to at least 54 districts that are major maize growing areas. Scientists
however said this could be an underestimation given the quick manner in
which the pests spread.
The insects can
travel up to 2,000km a year. In addition to maize, the armyworms have
attacked sorghum, sugarcane and elephant grass.
The current maize
shortage not only affects human food but also poultry feed whose prices
have began to rise. Elephant grass is a major source of livestock feed.
First reportedSince
the fall armyworm invasion was first reported in July 2016, in the
western Uganda district of Kasese that borders DR Congo, scientists have
been conducting studies to confirm the exactly what type of worms they
are as they are alien to Uganda. They are now looking for an effective
pesticide to combat them.
The fall armyworm does not have any known chemical developed specifically against it.
"Research has
identified dudufenos, rocket and striga and any insecticide that
contains profenofos as a rapid method to contain the spread, but we are
doing further research on how to find a lasting solution to the
problem," said Dr Michael Otim, head of cereal research at the National
Crop Resources Research Institute in Namulonge.
"We have recorded
resistance from two major sources, the presence of counterfeit drugs on
the market and farmers not knowing how to effectively mix and apply the
drugs," said Sunday Emmanuel, the secretary general of the Uganda
National Farmers Federation.
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