JOHANNESBURG – South African farmers have reported a new pest caterpillar, similar to the Fall armyworm, causing extensive damage to maize crops since December, the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries said yesterday.
If the pest is confirmed as the invasive armyworm that has hit neighbouring countries, it could have a disastrous impact on the production of maize in South Africa, a major supplier of food to the region, the ministry said in a statement.
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