Farming experts have issued a warning that there could be a brown locust “infestation” in certain regions of South Africa due to a number of unfavourable factors that could take place over the next few weeks.
The expected brown locust swarm could see the bugs come out in record numbers this year.
In September, there are already small outbreaks reported in the Concordia and Springbok-areas in the Northern Cape, as well as the Graaff-Reinet, Cradock and Aberdeen districts in the Eastern Cape.
Experts have warned that the Karoo region could experience the worst of the infestation.
Dr. Gerhard Verdoorn – who serves as the operations and stewardship manager at CropLife South Africa – explained what conditions are likely to facilitate a large infestation:
“There is enough soil moisture in some parts of the Karoo to catalyse the hatching of brown locust eggs, if the temperature rises to above 16˚C in the soil and 30˚C in the atmosphere.”
Other factors include:
- The good rainfall forecast for the upcoming season doesn’t bode well for South Africa…
- Brown locusts had laid their eggs near irrigation areas in the Eastern Cape earlier this year.
- Substantial downpours could therefore result in large-scale infestations.
- Farmers have been told to be vigilant, and regularly scout their velds where locusts were present last year.
- According to Agri SA, stationary swarms of 2km x 1km in diameter had been reported during the previous rainy season.
- The nightmare could become a reality by the end of October, with ‘large-scale infestations’ now feared.
Sources: Farmers weekly, MSN
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