Check paddocks for cereal damage, after Russian wheat aphid found in South Australia
Western Australian grain growers are urged to check paddocks for aphids after the exotic pest Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia) was detected in South Australia’s wheat growing region recently.
Russian wheat aphid is a major pest of wheat, barley and some grasses (Poaceae) which can cause significant yield losses.
Russian wheat aphid is not present in WA. As a precaution, it is very important that growers, agronomists and consultants remain vigilant by surveying for aphids and symptoms in cereal crops, grassy weeds and pastures.
For the latest information please refer to weekly updates of the department’s PestFax newsletter or view the Russian wheat aphid page on the website.
Please note Russian wheat aphid is different to the cabbage aphid and turnip aphid that cause feeding damamge in canola and cereal crops and are mentioned in article five of this edition "To aphid spray or not to aphid spray".
What to look for
Search cereal crops and weedy grasses for aphid pests.
It is important to look for aphids now – even before feeding damage symptoms occur.
Reporting absence of Russian wheat aphid is as important as reporting pests and symptoms, in addition to looking for aphid damage symptoms consider reporting healthy crops also.
Look for a noticeable loss of green colouration across the crop and, on closer inspection, white, yellow, purple or red streaking, leaf curling, stunted plant growth and loss of vigour.
Start plant inspections at the crop edge, where pests often colonise first.
Look for aphids near the base of newly emerged leaves and inspect the leaves and leaf whorls of tillers. Examine them closely using a hand lens or smartphone macro lens.
Russian wheat aphid looks similar to other cereal aphids except it has two tiny tails at the rear end and lacks the usual excretion tubes or exhaust pipes on the top of the rear end of the body compared to other cereal aphids.
These pests are approximately 2mm long, pale yellowish green with a fine waxy coating.
Report any suspect aphids or damage as quickly as possible. If no aphids, report zero.
Crops that are not affected should also be reported to illustrate the area surveyed and absence of this pest.
Reporting options
Report any suspect aphids or damage symptoms immediately.
Telephone DAFWA’s Pest and Disease Information Service on freecall 1800 084 881.
It is preferable to use reporting apps to make a report of absence or symptoms of aphids.
Download DAFWA’s MyPestGuide Reporter app to your smart phone, take a photo and follow the prompts on the device. When reporting absence write in the I found textbox "no aphids or symptoms".
DAFWA apps can be used in areas that do not have mobile coverage.
People already using PestFax Reporter app can continue to do so.
If you do not have a smart phone you can create an online web report of absence or presence of aphids.
On-farm biosecurity is important
Russian wheat aphid is spread on plant material, machinery, equipment, clothes and on the wind so try to adhere to good paddock hygiene measures to ensure any risk of spreading the pest is minimised.
Do not drive vehicles, machinery or move livestock through crops unless necessary.
Limit the movement of people and equipment near the suspect crop.
Wash hands, and brush down clothes and boots that have been in contact with crops.
Do not openly move or transport affected plant material between properties unless sending samples to your local DAFWA office.
Go to the Farm Biosecurity website for more information on best practices.
For more information contact Darryl Hardie, Senior Research Officer, South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3799.