Nigeria estimates costs of $9m to check the Armyworm invasion
The African Armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) also called nutgrass armyworm, is an African moth, capable of destroying entire crops in a matter of weeks. The outbreak of the caterpillars in several western African nations has raised alarm with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.
The Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had in February confirmed the invasion of the pest in 22 states of the country, at a time scientists were trying to unravel the discovery of new caterpillar species on African soil.
Speaking on the invasion back in February, the Assistant Director and Desk Officer, Maize Value Chain at the ministry, Adeleke Muftau, had informed journalists that the pest, usually found in maize, posed a threat to other crops as well including potatoes, tobacco, cotton, soybean, wheat and rice.
source: premiumtimesng.com
