Key facts
- A naturally occurring fungus has been found to kill the African armyworm.
- The discovery was made by South African scientist Letodi Luki Mathulwe.
- The fungus offers a potential biological control where chemical treatments are ineffective against mature pests.
- African armyworms damage staple crops like maize and sorghum, and can sicken livestock.
- Outbreaks of the pest have previously threatened food security and driven up food prices in African countries.
A significant breakthrough in combating the destructive African armyworm has been made with the discovery of a naturally occurring fungus that effectively eliminates the pest. Scientist Letodi Luki Mathulwe, an entomologist working for the agriculture department in South Africa, identified the fungus in the KwaZulu-Natal countryside.
The armyworm, known for its devastating march through crops, poses a major threat to food security in east and southern Africa. Outbreaks can decimate staple crops like maize and sorghum, and the pest also releases a chemical compound that can sicken livestock. Previous outbreaks have had severe economic consequences, including significant crop losses and soaring inflation in countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.