Farmers learn how to better control fall armyworms in sweet corn |12 July 2022

Over a dozen farmers who grow sweet corn recently gathered at one of their colleague’s farms at Val d’Andorre  to hear the results of a research trial using different pesticides to control the pest fall armyworm which is ravaging the sweet corn plantations around the country.   

The research entitled the ‘evaluation of pesticides for the control of fall armyworm in sweet corn’ was carried out from March to May 2022 on Hubert Moustache’s farm at Val d’Andorre and it was led by the Crop Research Section.

The results of the trial were presented by Roy Govinden, principal agricultural scientist, at the Crop Research Section.

He showed the farmers the different sweet corn plots and informed them about the different pesticide used for each.

According to Mr Govinden all pesticides used in the trial showed some degree of control on the worms, but Affirm showed the highest level of control as plants sprayed with the pesticide recorded less worm larvae and less damage on the corn leaves.

Mr Govinden also highlighted the recommended best practices for the effective control of the fall armyworm  which include proper monitoring, the right amount of pesticides applied and good fertiliser management.

The farmers present had the opportunity to ask questions regarding the trial and the different pesticides as they toured the experimental plots.

They were impressed to see a high yield of sweet corn and they sought to clarify their doubts with regard to the pest, the method and timing for applying the pesticides.

Mr Moustache on his part shared his experience of how he has learned the correct practices in the management of the fall armyworm as the trial was underway.

“I have been equipped with the right knowledge to ensure I am able to get marketable yield from the sweet corn I grow. Prior to the trial I was recording over 50% loss in yield of the sweet corn I was growing,” Mr Moustache, said noting the great improvement with the trial.

The principal secretary for agriculture, Keven Nancy, when addressing the farmers stressed on the importance of research work that has for objective, to manage pests of economic importance.

He emphasised the importance of agriculture in achieving food security faced with the different challenges in the world today, where Seychelles is not being spared.

He reiterated that to ensure that pests are managed, getting farmers involved in the process is of paramount importance in order to ensure the adoption of new technologies and pesticides.

Joseph Victor, one of the two extension officers of the south region, extended his appreciation to the farmers who had accepted to take part in the field day to see for themselves, first hand, the results of the trial.

Chief extension officer Bobb Petrousse thanked Mr Moustache for accepting to give his field for the trial.

He encouraged other farmers to follow his example and provide a plot on their land when required for other trials which has the potential to address challenges faced by farmers in this region to be carried out.

He further stated that collaboration between farmers and the agriculture department in such initiatives is encouraged to ensure national food security.

The fall armyworm is a pest of significant agricultural importance, not only because of the damage it provokes, but also because of control challenges.

The National Biosecurity Agency first observed the pest on July 28, 2017 on Mahé. Management measures to control the pest have been shared with the farming community, however increasing concern have been raised by farmers who were still reporting damage caused by the worm in sweet corn which results in significant economic losses.

This concern was brought to the attention of the Crop Research Section during late 2021 by the extension services during the planning of research work for the year 2022. As such, it was identified as a priority for on-farm research pesticide trial.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the field day at the Val D’Andorre farm.

Contributed