First report of Spodoptera frugiperda in Gabon
In Gabon, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae – EPPO A1 List) was first observed in 2017 in the provinces of Estuaire and Haut-Ogooué. Following these first observations, official surveys were carried out in the 9 provinces of Gabon mainly in maize (Zea mays) crops, but also in rice (Oryza sativa), sugarcane (Saccharum officinale) and vegetable crops, to determine the extent of the outbreak. Survey results confirmed the presence of S. frugiperda in the 9 provinces of Gabon (in order of decreasing incidence: Woleu-Ntem,Ogooué Ivindo, Estuaire, Moyen Ogooué, Ngounié, Haut Ogooué, Nyanga, Ogooué Maritime, Ogooué Lolo). The pest was mainly found in maize crops, but it was also observed in sugarcane in the province of Nyanga. A national action plan has been elaborated to manage S. frugiperda in Gabon.
The pest status of Spodoptera frugiperda in Gabon is officially declared as: Present: in all parts of the area.
Sources
IPPC website. Official Pest Reports – Gabon (GAB-03/2 of 2019-08-28) Signalement de la chenille légionnaire d'automne (CLA) au Gabon. http
IPPC website. Official Pest Reports – Gabon (GAB-03/2 of 2019-08-28) Signalement de la chenille légionnaire d'automne (CLA) au Gabon. https://www.ippc.int/en/countries/gabon/pestreports/2019/08/signalement-de-la-chenille-legionnaire-dautomne-cla-au-gabon/