Mr Boluwade said the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, has directed state governments to activate an FAW Desk to assess the severity of the infestation in cereal-producing areas.
He said Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) has been a significant maize pest in Nigeria since 2016 and warned that it is capable of inflicting total yield loss
He noted that maize is one of the most important cereal crops grown in Nigeria and a major part of the diet of millions of people in the country.
Mr. Boluwade explained that the state government employs comprehensive management strategies to tackle invasive pests and prevent famine. He stressed the importance of an “Integrated Pest Management approach,” which combines cultural, biological, botanical, physical, genetic, and chemical methods to reduce the population of Fall Armyworm (FAW) in maize fields.
He also recommended using botanical methods, such as neem (Dogonyaro) tree leaves and Wild Mexican Sunflower (known locally as the June 12 plant). This involves mixing 1 kg of each plant in 10 liters of water, straining it, and using the resulting solution to prepare 15 liters of pesticide for spraying the maize plants. Another suggested method is to use a mixture of chili pepper and wood ash in a 1:4 ratio, applied to the maize whorls. Additionally, Mr. Boluwade proposed using a mixture of tobacco, garlic, or wood ash on the maize plants. For chemical control, he listed brands like Caterpillar Force, Sharp Shooter, Rocket, Cypermethrin, Ampligo, and NIHORT Lyptol/Raktin.
According to the UK Department of Entomology, while Fall armyworms can damage corn plants in nearly all stages of development, they will concentrate on later plantings that have not yet silked.
He urged affected farmers to contact the FAW Desk at the state Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at +234 813 051 5166.
