Scientists detect pest disease on maize

A Soil Scientists, Prof. Lateef Taiwo and his team at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, have detected Armyworms devastating maize farms around South-West ecology.

Taiwo made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan on Wednesday.

He said the Armyworm was 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 is derived 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,” he said.

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 National Horticultural Research Institute, while improved varieties of maize can be obtained from, Ibadan, as both have mandate on the crops.

“Farmers can also 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.

Punch