We have noted with concern alarming reports doing rounds on Social Media regarding the Hornworm, a pest that attacks the Golden Dew Drop plant.
The alarming reports allege that the Hornworm is dangerous and can kill human beings and recommends uprooting the plants. These reports have created fear and panic among Kisii County residents who have resorted to uprooting the Golden Dew Drop shrubs.
As a County, we wishes to notify residents that the Hornworm is not fatally poisonous as alleged and therefore does not instant death to human beings. Residents should ignore this alarming information being spread in social media and avoid uprooting the plant.
The Golden Dew Drop plant (duranta repens) commonly known as Pigeon berry or Sky flower has origins in Florida, USA and is barely 10 years old in Kenya. It is a fast growing, multi-stemmed shrub popular as a screen or background plant. Full clusters of flagrant, pale blue flowers attract butterflies during the dry spell and are followed by bunches of golden orange berries popular with birds. Yellow fruit often hangs on the plant during wet weather conditions if the birds don’t eat them.
Uses
It is commonly planted on borders, above ground or in containers. It can grow to between 8 and 15 feet and spread to 15 feet.
Pests and Diseases
Its pests include moth caterpillars, nematodes and scale. No diseases of major concern have been noted. It is attacked by a wide variety of insect larvae, which feed vigorously on the leaves.
The moth caterpillar is bright and multicolored. It is about 3 inches (7cm). It has a spiky head and contact with the skin causes itching.
Control
The Hornworm emerges and lays a single spherical egg on the lower leaf surface. Upon hatching, the larvae begin feeding immediately for about one month before dropping to the ground to pupate. There is only one generation of Hornworm per year.
Residents are advised to use pesticides to control the caterpillar. Spray with a systemic pesticide when sighted. Do not spray unless you spot the caterpillar. Recommended commercial pesticides include Belt, Duduthrin, Match, Valliam Fargo, Karate and Thunder.
The County departments of Agriculture and Forestry are working closely to manage the situation.
For more information, contact the Director, Agriculture Mr. Nathan Soire [email protected] [email protected] and Agricultural Extension Officers on the ground.
