Spurs the new locust threat in the North West
Rangers from the North West Livestock Health and Pest Authority are urging landholders to remain vigilant in monitoring for spur-throated locusts, following reports of swarms damaging cotton crops near Bourke.
Gerard O’Connor, North West LHPA senior ranger, says the spur-throated locust doesn’t normally reach plague proportions in NSW, but it has the potential to cause significant damage to crops and pasture this autumn following a rare migration of the species from central Queensland last November.
"These locusts are much larger than the Australian Plague Locust and feed on all types of crops, with late cotton and winter crop plantings particularly at risk," said Mr O’Connor.
"To date, we have received reports of damage in cotton, sorghum and sunflowers. Low density swarms have been detected more recently. These swarms are forecast to intensify over coming weeks. The area affected is west of the Newell Highway all the way to the authority’s western boundary west of Walgett.
"Reporting is critical, so we can monitor their movement and development and be prepared for control activities, where safety, environmental and insecticide requirements can be met."
Spur-throated locusts don’t band together like the plague locust nymphs, making them more difficult to control.
"There is a limited window for control, which is targeted at juvenile adults when they swarm or roost in trees and bushes in the evening," Mr O’Connor said.
The NSW Plague Locust Management Group has set down infestation benchmarks which need to be verified by LHPA rangers before assistance can be provided. Chemical can be provided to landholders for control where nymphs reach certain densities. Aerial control may be considered where swarms reach certain density and area combinations.
"The biggest risk is that infestations are not reported, and we aren’t adequately prepared to be in a position to assist landholders prevent devastations to crops," said Mr O’Connor.
Landholders and agronomists are encouraged to report sightings of spur-throated locusts to your local LHPA office.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378