Africa’s maize crop is at risk of fall armyworm invasion

Africa’s maize crop faces the threat of fall armyworm invasion

According to a new study,Almost all of the maize crop on the African continent is exposed to the threat of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), as scientists shed light on the climates in which the African maize crop is grown, and how they support the spread of this seasonal pest. Dangerous.

A warning bell for the continent of Africa

The researchers identified 3,175 geographic locations where fall armyworm is found worldwide, and used this data along with information about the physiological requirements of the pest; This is to evaluate its suitability to the global climate.

They also found that approximately 92% of maize-growing areas in Africa support the growth of Fall Armywormyear-round, and worryingly, 95% of this crop is also considered climatically suitable, not only for Fall Armyworm, but for at least three or more other pests, such as: Corn stalk borer, western corn rootworm, and parasitic plants.

The research showed another shocking result, which is that more than half (52.5%) of the African maize area – thought to be suitable for fall armyworm – is at risk from another nine additional pests, while more than a third (38.1%) of the area is at risk of invasion by ten different pests.

“The spatial consistency of climatically suitable sites for these pests increases production risks to farmers much higher than the risks posed by fall armyworm alone,” said Dr. Sinaiit Sinai of the University of Minnesota, lead author of the study.

It is worth noting that the fall armyworm – which belongs to the order of Lepidoptera – is considered one of the pests that destroy large numbers of crops. The outbreak of this worm in Africa was observed – for the first time – in corn fields – southwestern Nigeria, in January 2016, and after that in Benin, Togo, and Sao Tome and Principe. Since then, the pest has spread to more than 40 African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Heavy losses due to pests

In 2021, CABI scientists conducted the first comprehensive study on the economic impact of a group of “invasive alien species” (IAS), animals and plants that are introduced – whether intentionally or unintentionally – into a natural environment that is not considered home. The study included the agricultural sector in Africa, which they estimated represents 65.58 billion US dollars annually, and they proved that the fall armyworm alone caused the highest losses in this annual revenue, amounting to 9.4 billion US dollars.

Dr. Day said: “The climates that are considered suitable for maize production are also – unfortunately! – seasonally suitable for FAW to thrive, not only in Africa, but about half of the world’s maize growing area is likely to be affected, most of which is located in warm, humid tropical regions, a climate that stimulates FAW development throughout the year.”

But it should be noted here that strategies for dealing with fall armyworm – or any other crop pest – are best conceived and implemented from the perspective of dealing with multi-hazard pests, especially by considering them as part of the practice of integrated pest management; This is instead of dealing partially with each pest individually.

The study, which is part of a broader information effort at GEMS regarding global analyzes of pest risks, concludes that crop management may benefit more from genetic solutions and environmentally friendly biological control agents, which can be achieved by securing the necessary fungicides and insecticides; To be available at the right time in various countries, coinciding with the spread of seasonal pests.

But on the other hand, researchers acknowledge that although “integrated pest management” practices are another often complementary strategy for controlling crop pests, especially in tropical regions, where pests can survive year-round, this IPM strategy is not widely adopted in the developing world; Consequently, most of the cultivated areas on a continent like Africa are always highly vulnerable.