With spring the hatching time for Australia’s plague locusts, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has called on landowners and primary producers in the northern regions of the State to be on the lookout for any signs of the damaging pest.
Following PIRSA’s surveillance in autumn this year, the Department expects locust hatching in the upper north/Flinders Ranges pastoral areas and the upper Eyre Peninsula as well as parts of the mid north, Riverland/Mallee and other areas of Eyre Peninsula as well.
Traditionally landowners and producers are required to report any sightings of the notifiable Australian plague locusts pests to PIRSA by either contacting the Department through the Locust Locator or through the Emergency Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 081.
PIRSA said it and the Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) were closely observing emerging locust populations, not just within South Australia but also adjacent regions in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
“In addition to being on the lookout for Australian plague locusts, landowners and producers should factor in locusts as part of their current pest control planning following normal crop protection and insect control principles,” PIRSA said.
“Adults and hoppers can be controlled with standard APVMA registered or permitted insecticides with the most efficient and effective locust control is by directly target nymphs in late 2nd to 3rd instar stages, when they concentrate into dense bands that march and feed,” it said.
“On properties where bands of locust hopper nymphs are present, it is recommended to monitor and spray any hopper bands now to prevent feeding damage,” the Department said.
More information about the locusts can be accessed at this PS News link and the Locust Locator can be accessed in this PS News link.
