Latest resolution on tackling Fall Armyworm and Witchweed in Zimbabwe

Figure 1: John MacRobert (standing) the director of Mukushi Seeds facilitating the meeting. PELUM Zimbabwe was invited to attend the stakeholder meeting aimed at initiating the establishment of a consortium promoting and scaling up Push-Pull and Ecological Agriculture Technologies in Zimbabwe. A committee was established to lead in the development of a concept note to be submitted to Biovision Foundation. If the concept note is accepted, a full proposal would then be required and a governance structure for the consortium will be formed. Photo: Theophilus Mudzindiko/PELUM ZWE

Zimbabwean Civil Society and Government have resolved to tackle the problem of pests and diseases by promoting the planting of plants that either repel harmful pests or attract beneficial insects that ward off pests and diseases.

This move comes at a time when many farmers are battling with Fall Armyworm and Witchweed (also known as striga weed) which have affected crop production. The technique of mixing plants to control pests and diseases is an emerging technology known as Push-Pull Technology.

“With farmers suffering crop losses between 30 percent and 100 percent there is an urgent need for effective and affordable solutions,” says Theophilus Mudzindiko, PELUM Zimbabwe Programmes Officer.

Theophilus says Push-Pull Technology offers just that and in addition is also environmental friendly, he adds that the technology is easy to adopt.

“You plant desmodium weed between the maize or sorghum rows and elephant grass around the field. Desmodium plants will push the fall armyworm towards the elephant grass because it does not like the smell of desmodium. The worm is forced to lays eggs in the elephant grass but the eggs do not do well because the grass is thick,” says John MacRobert, an expert in Push-Pull Technology.

The grasses used in the Push and Pull technology provide benefits beyond merely getting rid of pests.

“Desmodium suppresses striga weed and as it grows it covers the ground and traps moisture. It is leguminous so it adds nitrogen into the soil and the seed can be harvested and sold to other farmers. The elephant grass can be cut and used as livestock fodder,” says John MacRobert.