南非农业部昆虫学家莱托迪·卢基·马图尔韦在夸祖鲁-纳塔尔省发现了一种天然真菌，能够有效杀死非洲粘虫幼虫[1]。这一发现已发表在同行评审论文中，为控制这种毁灭性害虫开辟了新途径，有望开发成农民可使用的生物防治产品[1]。
非洲粘虫是东非和南非地区最具破坏性的农业害虫，可摧毁玉米和高粱等主食作物，导致粮食价格上升[1]。2025年非洲粘虫爆发始于南非北部，4月传播至夸祖鲁-纳塔尔省[1]。2017年的爆发曾摧毁赞比亚40%的玉米产量[1]。此外，非洲粘虫在草地中释放的化学物质还可导致牲畜生病[1]。
传统防控手段面临困境。当前的化学处理对成熟期粘虫种群效果不佳[1]。这种真菌的发现为农民提供了新的防治选择[1]。
South African scientists have discovered a naturally occurring fungus capable of effectively killing fall armyworm larvae, providing a potential breakthrough in combating one of the region's most destructive agricultural pests. The discovery was made by entomologist Letodi Lukie Matulwe of South Africa's Department of Agriculture in KwaZulu-Natal Province and has been published in peer-reviewed research.[1] The fungus-based approach offers hope for developing a practical tool for farmers facing mounting crop losses, as conventional chemical treatments have proven ineffective against mature armyworm populations.[1]
The fall armyworm has emerged as a severe threat to food security across East and Southern Africa, with the ability to devastate staple crops including maize and sorghum.[1] The 2025 outbreak began in northern South Africa before spreading to KwaZulu-Natal in April.[1] In 2017, the pest destroyed 40 percent of Zambia's maize crop, contributing to regional food price increases and economic strain.[1] Beyond crop destruction, armyworms release chemicals in grasslands that can sicken livestock, compounding agricultural losses.[1] With chemical controls proving inadequate against established populations, the identification of this naturally occurring fungus represents a critical step toward more sustainable pest management solutions for vulnerable farming communities across the region.