First case of Russian wheat aphid confirmed in NSW
16 Aug 2016
NSW Department of Primary Industries has confirmed the first detection of Russian wheat aphids (Diuraphis noxia) in a wheat crop in the State's south.
Scientists at NSW DPI Biosecurity Collections unit have confirmed the sample from the Barham area in the Murray Region contained Russian wheat aphid.
NSW DPI Director Plant Biosecurity Satendra Kumar said a national management approach for Russian wheat aphid was developed following the first detections in South Australia in May and Victoria in June.
“Russian wheat aphid has been deemed as non-eradicable by the National Biosecurity Management Group. Grain growers should be on the lookout for the pest and consider their management options,” said Dr Kumar.
“Grain growers are encouraged to contact their agronomist or seek advice from NSW DPI, Local Land Services or refer to the GRDC website for information on how to manage the pest in cereal crops.
“There are tools available to help manage the aphid, including an emergency use permit () for specific chemicals that has been issued by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
“Grain growers planning to spray are encouraged to adhere to all general chemical use practices.”
“The advice to growers and agronomists is to continue to monitor your crops for aphids and symptoms and if you suspect the presence of the Russian wheat aphid, take a sample for identification.
“To limit the spread of the pests and diseases hygiene is important. It is important to put best practice biosecurity measures into place to reduce the risk of transporton clothing, footwear, vehicles and machinery when moving between paddocks and farm,” said Dr Kumar.
More information
- Russian wheat aphid, what to look out for and on-farm hygiene practices
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