Soil Scientist Discover ArmyWorms Pest on Maize

A Soil Scientist, Prof. Lateef Taiwo and his team at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday, have detected Armyworms upsetting maize farms around South-West ecology. The Armyworms can wreak havoc to crops if left to multiply.

The Armyworm is said to be a part of the order of Lepidoptera, the larval life stage of a fall Armyworm moth, adding that it can wreak havoc to crops if left to multiply. Its name derives from its feeding habits, they strongly prefer grasses, cereals like maize, it can mercilessly eat the stem of the crop as well as the leaves.

The scientist advised farmers to maintain farm hygiene and use improved varieties of vegetables resistant to the diseases. Some of the improved seeds of vegetables can be obtained from the National Horticultural Research Institute, while improved varieties of maize can be obtained from, Ibadan, as both have mandated on the crops.

He also said farmers can use control measures like chemical, biological control, use of botanicals, that is the use of plant extracts; chemical control is not environment friendly though effective.