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There have been several new reports of Rutherglen bugs (Nysius vinitor) causing significant problems in the Central West Slopes and Plains district of NSW. Agronomist, Glenn Shepherd (IMAG Consulting), has reported severe damage to a canola crop at the cotyledon stage near Dunedoo, with 3-4 bugs observed per plant. The damage is widespread across the paddock, with many areas requiring re-sowing. Glenn says the paddock was sown to cereals in the three years prior to this season, and that Rutherglen bugs have not previously been a problem. The affected crop was sown using insecticide-treated seed, although Glenn says this does not appear to have provided any level of control against Rutherglen bugs.
Agronomist, Andrew McFadyen (Paspaley Rural), reports Rutherglen bugs have been found attacking canola seedlings at Coolah, NSW. The bugs are concentrated in hot spots across the paddock, which was sown to wheat last year. Andrew says numbers are around 25-30 per square metre, and that seedlings have been retarded or even killed as a result of feeding damage. Agronomist, Tim Wright (AGnVET Services), has reported problems with Rutherglen bugs near Eugowra, also in the Central West Slopes and Plains district of NSW. Again, canola crops have been impacted with at least one crop failure in the area.
Rutherglen bugs are opportunistic insects which are well adapted to Australia’s dry and variable climate. They are widely regarded as a spring pest, with only sporadic problems during autumn-winter observed in the past. Although Rutherglen bug invasions are very unpredictable (with the size and timing of crop invasion varying from season to season), the warm autumn conditions experienced this season have likely contributed to above average numbers in some regions.
Click here for images of Rutherglen bugs. For further information refer to PestFacts Issue No. 2.
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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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