Industry body Potatoes South Africa has reported the first incidence of fall army worm (FAW) damage to a potato crop in the Loskop Valley, Limpopo province.
According to a statement from the organisation, the planting was made in rotation soil which was previously used to plant a popcorn maize variety infested by FAW.
“However, after the plantings were sprayed, the damage has been limited to an estimated 1%,” said a Potatoes SA spokesperson.
He pointed out that the above ground stems and growth tips had been initially attacked and caterpillars (worms) had also tunnelled inside tubers (seed tubers). FAW caterpillars were found in the soil near all affected plants as well.
Dr André Jooste, CEO of Potatoes SA, said he expected limited damage to potato crops because potato farmers already sprayed against the potato tuber moth which he said also provided protection against a FAW invasion.
South Africa exports about 6-8% of local production, mostly to neighbouring countries.
