Fall Armyworm outbreak in South Sudan
Fall Armyworm outbreak in South Sudan The newest and most destructive pest in Africa reaches nearly all parts of the country By Daniel Deng Bol 18 July 2017, Juba – According to the press release issued by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) early this week, an outbreak of fall armyworm has been reported by the Government of South Sudan in the Equatoria region including Magwi, Yei and Juba, Northern Bahr el Gazal and parts of Jonglei area. Fall armyworm is a new pest in Africa, preferring maize plants, but feeds on sorghum, millet, vegetables and other crops as well. As maize and sorghum are staple foods in the country, the infestation is putting an increasing number of people at risk of hunger. “It is nearly impossible to eliminate this pest from South Sudan – now that it is here, it will stay. Following its initial detection in […]