Russian wheat aphid detected in SA
Growers and agronomists are encouraged to be on the lookout for Russian wheat aphid, after the exotic pest was detected in crops in the Mid North this week.
The initial detection was on a site south of Tarlee and the pest has since been found on other properties within 20 kilometres of the original site.
PIRSA is helping affected growers take immediate control action and is rolling out surveillance in other areas of the state as part of a broader national program to determine whether the aphid is only present in the Mid North.
What to look for:
Russian wheat aphid is approximately 2mm long, pale yellowish green with a fine waxy coating.
Damage symptoms include a noticeable loss of green colouration across the crop, and on closer inspection, stunted plant growth and loss of vigour. Affected plants will show whitish, yellow and red leaf markings and rolling leaves. The aphid is found in all major cereal production regions around the world but has not been previously recorded in Australia.
For a full description, download the Plant Health Australia fact sheet on Russian wheat aphid, including images of what it looks like and how to distinguish it from other aphids.
For more information:
Website
PIRSA has posted more information on its website, including a map of the current infected area.
Visit the PIRSA site.
Media releases
Hon Leon Bignell MP Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries