Quthing Grasshopper Outbreak Spreading

Quthing crops production officer Ms Monica Manyamelle has reported that the recently reported grasshopper outbreak seems to be spreading. A second village has reported an attack by the pests.

The outbreak was discovered at Lihlabeng mid- November, although it was only officially reported on December 1. They have now spread to Ha Koali, Ms Manyamalle said.

At risk are peach trees, bean seedlings and all green leaved crops, Ms Manyamalle said, announcing that they have started a pesticide spraying campaign in the affected areas. Preparations are also being made to train and provide communities in the affected areas with the insecticide, she said.

The district agricultural office is trying to determine the cause of the outbreak as grasshoppers are a natural occurrence in this season in the country but not in the numbers they have been found, she said.
33 December 2003