Wikipedia
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed the outbreak of Brown locusts in the Eastern Cape.
The MEC for the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Nomakhosazana Meth, says the outbreak was confirmed by State Entomologists.
The outbreak is in the Chris Hani and Sarah Baartman District Municipality which includes Middelburg, Graaff-Reinet, Aberdeen, Cradock, Nieu- Bethesda, Pearston and Jansenville.
MEC Meth says farmers have already started spraying their land and are continuously trained to handle the situation.
Farmers are urged to report new outbreaks immediately.
Facts about Brown Locust
The brown locust is a classified agricultural pest in South Africa, preferring mainly grasses and cereals. Egg hatching begins in September after the first rains and continues in October with flying commencing in December.
When conditions are conducive, and rain is abundant, further egg-laying may occur, encouraging the cycle to continue (Khambuke, 2010).
