Spurs the new locust threat for Darling landholders

Rangers from the Darling 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.

Col Betts, Darling 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.

"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 Betts.

"To date, we have received reports of scattered sightings as well as swarms near Bourke, but we expect there are more in crops and pastures which haven’t been reported.

"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 Betts said.

"We are expecting these locusts to intensify over the coming weeks, which is when we’ll see possible economic damage inflicted.

"The risk is that they aren’t reported, and we aren’t adequately prepared to be in a position to assist landholders prevent devastations to crops."

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