Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development has announced an outbreak of Downy Mildew Disease (DMD) that threatens crop yield, especially maize. In a statement yesterday signed by deputy director Davis Sado on behalf of the Principal Secretary Erica Maganga, the ministry said the disease has been particularly reported in Blantyre and Machinga Agricultural Development Divisions (ADDs). The ministry warned that the disease has potential to spread to other areas, causing significant yield losses.
“Farmers and the general public are, therefore, advised to report cases of Downy Mildew Disease to the nearest agricultural field staff or government offices,” reads part of the statement. Symptoms of DMD include chlorotic stripes on the first leaves as early as nine days after germination, stunted appearance in maize plants infected at the seedling stage, narrower and more erect leaves than normal and a white mould-like growth on the underside of the leaves. To control the disease, the ministry advises farmers to use recommended plant population for good air circulation, uproot and bury infected plants and avoid moving around the field with infected plants to deter spreading of spores.
In an interview yesterday, Blantyre ADD programme manager Annily Msukwa said DMD has affected all seven districts under the ADD, namely Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Phalombe and Thyolo. She said councils through their agriculture offices will intensify farmer sensitisation on control measures. Machinga ADD programme manager Adreck Benati could not be reached for comment by press time yesterday.
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Meanwhile, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources plant pathologist Vincent Mgoli Mwale warned that DMD can devastate fields if not properly managed. He said DMD is seed-borne, urging farmers who have not yet planted to use certified seeds and follow recommended plant spacing. “For those who already planted, uprooting affected plants is the best measure at this stage,” said Mwale.
He further called for increased vigilance, saying rains being experienced across the country could create humid conditions under which fungus thrive. DMD is a highly destructive foliar disease of maize caused by a water mould and also infects crops such as sorghum, sugarcane and millet.
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