The head of Plant Protection Research Institute, Dr Godfrey Chikwenhere, has said the armyworm which caused minimal damage to crops, but wiped out pastures in some areas is now under control although there may be another outbreak soon.

Dr Chikwenhere said his department had managed to control the pest in most areas that had outbreaks while only a few had become moths.

"The armyworm was controlled in Masvingo while others pupated. Staff from the department have since been deployed in the field for surveillance."

Dr Chikwenhere said there might be another outbreak in Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East although he was not yet sure of the magnitude.

"The numbers of moths are still low to cause alarm and if the situation continues like this, there will not be any major outbreak," he said.

Dr Chikwenhere warned those with a late crop to be on the lookout for the pest.