Zimbabwe ordered all seed companies to treat maize seeds with special chemicals before selling them. The government wants farmers to have protection against fall armyworm pests from the start. Companies must use specific mixtures that combine diamide and neonicotinoid chemicals. Seeds without proper treatment cannot be sold anywhere across the country. Agriculture officials hope this move will save crops and boost food security.
Fall armyworm damages millions of tonnes of African crops each year if left unchecked. The pest arrived from America and spread rapidly across the continent since 2016. Female moths lay eggs that hatch into hungry larvae that eat plant leaves. These worms can destroy up to 30 percent of maize harvests without control measures. They breed multiple times during each growing season and spread quickly.
Seed expert Monica Maseko says the new rules will help farmers fight pests early. Many growers cannot afford expensive sprays after planting their crops. Treating seeds before planting gives crops built-in protection during vulnerable growth stages. The chemical coating stays active for several weeks after germination. This approach costs less than repeated pesticide applications later.
Fall armyworm damages millions of tonnes of African crops each year if left unchecked. The pest arrived from America and spread rapidly across the continent since 2016. Female moths lay eggs that hatch into hungry larvae that eat plant leaves. These worms can destroy up to 30 percent of maize harvests without control measures. They breed multiple times during each growing season and spread quickly.
Seed expert Monica Maseko says the new rules will help farmers fight pests early. Many growers cannot afford expensive sprays after planting their crops. Treating seeds before planting gives crops built-in protection during vulnerable growth stages. The chemical coating stays active for several weeks after germination. This approach costs less than repeated pesticide applications later.
