LARVAE RESPONSE: The COA unveiled compensation packages for fields affected by the moth larvae, with payments based on revenue from the three prior years
Taipei Times
Date: Jun 16, 2019
By: Lin Chia-nan / Staff reporter
Pingtung County yesterday became the latest area to report fall armyworms, increasing the number of
Premier Su Tseng-chang’s image is featured on a poster offering a reward for verified reports of fall armyworms.
Photo: Screen grab from Premier Su Tseng-chang’s Facebook page
Since confirming the first sighting of the moth larvae in Miaoli County on Monday, the council has been ramping up measures to prevent their spread, as fall armyworms can wreak havoc on corn, rice, sorghum, cotton and eggplant crops, as well as cruciferous vegetables and cucumbers.
Fields affected by the larvae have been excavated and anyone who spots the pest should immediately inform the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, the council said.
As of yesterday, only Keelung, Hsinchu City, Nantou County, Chiayi City and Kaohsiung have not reported sightings, council data showed.
People who report sightings that are confirmed can claim a reward of NT$10,000, with the money available retroactively for reports filed after June 8, the council said on Thursday. [FULL STORY]
