Graingrowers are encouraged to adopt a simple four-point plan in dealing with Russian wheat aphid.
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Detected in the Mid-North for the first time last month, RWA has since spread throughout SA and Western Vic.
Growers are reminded to continue to scout paddocks and implement a management strategy, along with the GRDC strategy.
The “FITE” strategy is based on four basic principles:
- Find (look for characteristic leaf streaking or rolling symptoms on cereal crops and grasses)
- Identify (positively identify RWA in consultation with an industry specialist
- Threshold approach (consider international thresholds for control, factoring crop growth stage and potential yield losses)
- Enact an appropriate management strategy that where possible encourages beneficial insects.
GRDC Southern grower services manager Craig Ruchs says with RWA established in SA and Vic, the focus has moved from eradication to development and implementation of an appropriate long-term management strategy.
“Because this pest is new to Australia, there are still many unknowns in terms of basic population dynamics, developmental and reproductive processes and triggers for long distance movement under local conditions,” he said.
“The immediate priority is to generate an improved understanding of the relative effectiveness of those insecticides currently registered for control of other aphid species in Australian cereals. While an Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority permit exists for the use of chlorpyrifos and pirimicarb (APVMA 82792), we need to compare these active ingredients with other chemistry including neonicotinoid and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides.”
Mr Ruchs said in addition, the economic thresholds for control have not yet been validated locally and this was an urgent need in order to provide increased confidence for growers on when to spray.
“While we do have indicative thresholds to guide growers based on existing international literature it is important to understand that the economic threshold for control will vary by situation. Potential yield loss in our environment, crop yield potential and cost of the chosen control measure must always be considered,” he said.
- Graingrowers and advisers are encouraged to report suspected sightings of RWA to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
