ZCZC
BSS-40
ARMYWORM-TRAPS
FAO distributes 12,500 traps among farmers to tackle fall armyworm
DHAKA, April 28, 2020 (BSS) – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
of the United Nations (FAO) has distributed 12,500 pheromone traps among
farmers in Bangladesh to support them in the battle against fall armyworm
(FAW).
This invasive pest can cause serious damage to food production. It is
capable of attacking more than 80 species of crops – including cultivated
rice and maize – resulting in considerable crop losses and hardship for
smallholder farmers, a FAO press release said.
FAW, which has spread in Africa, the Near East, Asia and the Pacific, was
first detected in Bangladesh in late 2018. Earlier this year, it had been
reported in more than half of the country’s districts. Although FAW cannot be
eradicated, it can be controlled.
The pheromone traps detect the presence and build-up of FAW in particular
areas. Pheromones are natural compounds that are emitted by female FAW moths
to attract male moths for mating.
Synthetic compounds that mimic natural FAW pheromones, often referred to as
‘lures’, are placed in the traps to attract and trap male moths. Moths that
are caught are then counted. From these numbers, farmers can know if FAW is
present in their fields and if there is a need for increased scouting.
FAO, through its project ‘Response to Enhance Technical Capacity for
Monitoring and Management of Fall Armyworm in Bangladesh’, distributed 12,500
pheromone traps, 25,000 lures, and 37,500 killing strips to the Department of
Agricultural Extension (DAE).
The new equipment was distributed among farmers as they prepare for the
forthcoming maize planting season. FAO specialists provided hands-on training
to DAE officials in 14 FAW hotspot districts.
The traps are hung from a suspended pole or branch about 1.5 m above the
ground in the maize fields. After setting up the traps, DAE officials visit
each week to count the moths and send the results to a central database. The
DAE takes appropriate control measures based on the level of infestation,
helping to minimize crops damage.
“Fall armyworm is a threat to global food security and to food security in
Bangladesh,” said FAO Representative in Bangladesh, Robert D. Simpson.
“The pest has spread quickly in Bangladesh since it was first detected here
less than two years ago. Although there is no way to eradicate fall armyworm,
it can be managed. These pheromone traps are an important way to monitor and
control its spread,” he said.
FAO will provide further support to affected farmers by supplying 2,000
silos to store maize seeds, the release said.
BSS/PR/MRI/KU/1805 HRS