Sentinel-X Field Trials Near Completion as Nigeria Steps Up Fight Against Fall Armyworm
By Raheem Akingbolu Nigeria’s search for more effective ways to protect maize from Fall Armyworm is entering a critical phase, with field validation of Sentinel-X nearing completion across the country’s
Nigeria is in a critical stage of testing a new technology called Sentinel-X to combat the Fall Armyworm, an invasive pest that has been devastating maize crops. Prexea Technologies Limited, leading the deployment in collaboration with technical stakeholders, is conducting multi-location trials to assess the technology's effectiveness across various farming conditions in Nigeria.
So far, trials have been carried out in Kano, Kaduna, Keffi, and Kwali, with further evaluations planned in Bauchi, Kwara, and Oyo States. The invasive pest, which first appeared in Africa in 2016, has spread rapidly across agricultural areas, feeding primarily on maize but also attacking other crops. Its rapid reproduction and adaptability have made its management a continuous challenge for farmers and authorities.
Nigeria, being a significant maize-producing country, faces substantial economic losses from Fall Armyworm infestations, estimated to range from around $750 million to $1.86 billion annually. To address this issue, Prexea has launched a field validation program for Sentinel-X. During a recent Green Field Day in Abuja, stakeholders including farmers, agricultural officials, extension personnel, consultants, and development partners gathered to observe field demonstrations and discuss the validation exercise.
The company's lead agronomist, Martha Solomon, emphasized the importance of involving stakeholders during the validation process to ensure informed decisions about wider commercial adoption. Observations from completed sites indicate reduced Fall Armyworm damage and improved crop health, but further assessments are ongoing. The Sentinel-X programme includes two components: a pest control component to manage Fall Armyworm infestations and a crop booster designed to support crop vigor and nutrient utilization.
Both components are being evaluated during the field deployment program to generate evidence for potential commercialization. Government agencies, such as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, are participating in the validation to ensure that required procedures are completed before any decision on large-scale deployment is made.
Preliminary observations are promising, but the technology remains under evaluation, and broader deployment will depend on the completion of the validation program.
Written by urgent.news from This Day's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
