farmers get training on maize pest control

 The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, has trained maize farmers on the control of armyworm which invaded farms in South-West re

gion.
Dr Oluwakemi Odeyemi, Entomologist at the institute, who disclosed this in Ibadan on Friday, said  that the pest ``Spodoptera Frugiperda’’ was the first of its kind in West Africa.
Odeyemi said the insect, ravaging maize field at an alarming rate, was the caterpillar of an adult moth, adding that it affected some other parts of Nigeria, apart from South-West.
She noted that it was a nocturnal pest with peak of its activity in the late evening, stressing that it causes leaf tattering, destruction of maize tassels and cob.
``They are strong fliers and lead to high cost of production, yield reduction and total crop loss,” she said.
She emphasised that the possible cause of the pest invasion was the weather condition as a result of rain showers after a long time spell of dry condition.
Odeyemi advised farmers to maintain good field hygiene, regular field monitoring, burning of previous crop residues, leaving ploughed field for at a week to expose pests to heat and birds.
``Farmers should also endeavour to plant resistant materials, use biological controls like use of non-pathogenic organism and exposure of pest to birds in ploughed fields.
``They can also use some effective chemicals like: Amplligo 150ZC, Magicforce, Ematex, etc; they must be used carefully.

``In fact, they should direct their nozzle to the whorl of the maize so that the insecticides will reach the caterpillar where the pests are hidden
``The institute’s Executive Director, Prof. James Adediran, said it has mandate on genetic improvement of maize in south-west region and the responsibility of tackling farmers’ challenges.’’
He said they provided technical services to maize growers which include solutions to low yield, poor management practices and susceptibility to biotic and a-biotic stress.
``Having conducted survey in six states of the Southern Nigeria, the report of the survey gave birth to this workshop.
``The previous workshop was to sensitise the farmers on the control measures to combat the menace of the armyworm invasion on their farm.
``They should feel free to consult our experts whenever they need help, if they will be able to use the control measures taught them, the pest will be destroyed,” he said.
Mr Benjamin Adewumi , spokesperson of the farmers, expressed delight at the quick response by the institute, stressing that it would help them in the next planting season.

Adewumi emphasised that it would also encourage youths, who might be scared of farming due to the ravaging pest, to have a rethink.