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Native budworm (Helicoverpa punctigera) continues to cause problems in some parts. Agronomist, Eoin Flett (Williams & Jackson Ag Services), says several canola crops around Geelong, in the Western district of Victoria, have been found with fairly high numbers of native budworm. Some paddocks have up to 15 caterpillars per 10 sweeps. Agronomist, Ross Watson (Ross Watson Agriculture P/L), has reported high numbers in seedling and established lucerne paddocks in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.
The following native budworm pheromone trapping information in Victoria for October 22nd – 31st has been provided by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries. Many thanks to Ashley Wallace (Victoria DPI) and all trap operators for their continuing efforts collating and providing this information.
Region |
Trap Sites |
Moth count7 days |
Moth count10 days* |
Crop |
|
Week ending 29/10/07 |
||||
|
Wimmera |
Brim |
15 |
21 |
Field peas |
|
North Central |
Kerang |
10 |
14 |
Faba beans |
|
South West |
Hamilton Wickliffe |
131 3 |
187 4 |
Canola Faba beans |
|
Week ending 31/10/07 |
||||
|
Wimmera |
Warracknabeal |
7 |
10 |
Faba beans |
*10 day counts are projected; based on 7 day counts.
A number of traps have been taken down as many crops have been cut for hay or harvested. Counts from traps that are left indicate a large decline in native budworm numbers, with the exception of Hamilton which still indicates relatively high numbers. As crops begin to mature and pods harden it is unlikely that native budworm grubs will be able to cause significant crop damage in many regions. However, it is important to remember that budworm could still cause damage to windrows, particularly if there are prolonged cool and damp conditions.
Native budworm numbers have been somewhat lower this year relative to 2006. Peak moth numbers were recorded in early September (Mallee) and in mid-to-late September (other regions) this season. In comparison, activity peaked in late September/early October in 2006.
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PestFacts south-eastern keeps growers and advisers informed about invertebrate pests and beneficials in broadacre crops and pastures during the winter-cropping season in Victoria and southern New South Wales.
PestFacts south-eastern is run through IPMforGrains: Best Practice Insect Pest Management, a project delivered by the National Pest Information Network (cesar, DPIRD, QDAF, NSW DPI, and SARDI). This project aims to provide grain growers and advisors with information on invertebrate grain pest occurrence and equip industry with the knowledge needed to implement integrated pest management practices. This initiative is a GRDC investment and includes in-kind contributions from all project partner organisations.
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