Containing Africa’s armyworm invasion will be complex

Subject

Fall armyworm in Africa.

Significance

Fall armyworm (FAW), a major insect pest with origins in the Americas, first appeared in Africa in early 2016. In just two years, it has spread to nearly all sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Highly resistant to traditional methods of pest control and capable of feeding on almost all major SSA crop species, FAW’s impact since its arrival has been dramatic. Current estimates suggest that more than 20 million tonnes of maize -- the main crop targeted -- will be lost each year, costing in excess of 5 billion dollars.

Impacts

• Maize shortages following FAW infestations will drive up staple food prices.
• Many countries will look to introduce genetically modified maize that is resistant to FAW, despite known issues with resistance management.
• Efforts to breed for FAW-resistant maize and wheat will also intensify.
• In the short term, imports of traditional chemical pesticides will increase.
• As resistance to chemicals rises, sales of biological pesticides and biocontrol agents (predators and parasitoids) will increase.