Knowledge grows in South Africa
Fall Armyworm or Spodoptera frugiperda, is native to North and South America. It can be devastating if not controlled but most of the time freezing temperatures limit the spread of this worm and moth. It is much more suited to tropical regions with mild climates. Natural predators are Braconid wasps, ground beetles, minute pirate bugs, predatory stink bugs and tachinid flies. The Fall Armyworm attacks a wide range of plants which makes it difficult to control throughout the year.
The Fall Armyworm is native to the US and northern parts of South America (Argentina). I think that everyone is quite surprised to find it in central Africa and especially South Africa. The spread of Fall Armyworm in to South Africa can be attributed to globalization and we will have to deal with many more such…
