Key Takeaway
South African scientist’s breakthrough research shows soil fungus could be used in fight against devastating crop pestHearing about fields full of dead caterpillars enveloped in a mysterious white substance intrigued the South African scientist Letodi Luki Mathulwe. Something was killing off the African armyworm – one of the most devastating pests for farmers in east and southern Africa.
Published August 12, 2026 · Category: News
Overview
South African scientist’s breakthrough research shows soil fungus could be used in fight against devastating crop pest
Hearing about fields full of dead caterpillars enveloped in a mysterious white substance intrigued the South African scientist Letodi Luki Mathulwe. Something was killing off the African armyworm – one of the most devastating pests for farmers in east and southern Africa.
Details
The white substance was a naturally occurring fungus and it was wiping out the caterpillar, which gained its name from its march-like advance through fields of crops.
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Source
Originally published at www.theguardian.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Halting the march of the armyworm: fungus discovery offers hope to African farmers" about?+
South African scientist’s breakthrough research shows soil fungus could be used in fight against devastating crop pestHearing about fields full of dead caterpillars enveloped in a mysterious white substance intrigued the South African scientist Letodi Luki Mathulwe. Something was killing off the African armyworm – one of the most devastating pests for farmers in east and southern Africa.The white substance was a naturally occurring fungus and it was wiping out the caterpillar, which gained its n
Who reported this story?+
This story was reported by The Guardian World.