2020 - Year of Pestilence
Fall armyworm
Fall armyworm (FAW) has spread across large parts of the state since it was first detected in northern NSW in October and has now been found in areas across the state, including the Central West, Hunter, Riverina and South East.
It is important growers across the North Coast, particularly those growing sorghum and maize, keep an eye out for signs of the pest, as early detection is the first step of an effective management plan. Information on how to identify FAW is available on NSW DPI and LLS websites.
In most cases, DPI will be able to identify larvae from clear photographs which can be sent via an online form or to biosecurity@dpi.nsw.gov.au with your contact details.
To manage the pest, spraying of FAW with selective insecticides when they reach recommended threshold levels, targeting instars before larvae bury themselves in leaf whorls and ears of maize, will deliver the best results.
Parasitic wasps have been active in controlling FAW larvae, and growers are being advised to use selective insecticide options to conserve beneficial insects and help suppress FAW as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy.
For more information on FAW, you can also visit:
- Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) FAW update – online recording
- GRDC Update Paper: Fall Armyworm: what threat does it pose, and what tools do we have to manage it?
- GRDC Continuity Plan and a range of other publications online
- The Beatsheet Blog - www.thebeatsheet.com.au
Khapra beetle
Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) feeds directly on stored grain and dry foodstuffs, resulting in significant damage. Infested goods may also become contaminated with beetles and cast larval skins and hairs, which can be a health risk and are difficult to remove from grain storage structures and transport vessels.
Khapra beetle is Australia’s number two national priority plant pest and the number one priority plant pest for grains. While not present here, it is a highly invasive pest that poses a significant threat to Australia’s grains industry.
In August 2020, a Canberra resident discovered the beetle in a new, recently imported refrigerator and its packaging. It was reported to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment who has undertaken a significant response effort to trace and treat this exotic pest.
To find out more about Khapra beetle read Khapra Beetle
Serpentine Leafminer
Serpentine Leafminer is a small fly whose larvae feed internally on plant tissue, particularly the leaf. The larvae disrupt photosynthesis and reduce the quality and yield of plants. The pest has a wide host range, including many economically important vegetable, cut flower and grain crops.
Serpentine Leafminer was found infesting field-grown vegetables in western Sydney in late October 2020. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services are carrying out surveillance to determine the extent of the incursion. North Coast residents are urged to keep an eye out for this destructive pest.
NSW Department of Primary Industries has established a serpentine leafminer primary industries liaison team to help primary producers navigate the challenges and impacts of serpentine leafminer on their business and industry.
You can contact the team by emailing leaf-miner.info@dpi.nsw.gov.au to discuss your individual business or industry circumstances.
To find out more about Serpentine Leafminer watch https://youtu.be/m5_rC2BeANk