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Agronomist, Craig Drum (Elders), has observed caterpillars in a canola crop near Swan Hill, in the Mallee district of Victoria. They have been identified as pasture day moth (Apina callisto), which have been a significant problem across many areas this season, particularly in southern New South Wales. Craig estimates between 3-4 caterpillars per 10cm square were observed in some patches of capeweed.
Pasture day moths are generally a sporadic pest and commonly found in pastures. It is unclear why such high numbers have been observed this season, although the mild autumn conditions experienced across many areas may be partly responsible. Craig says the caterpillars do not appear to be causing any significant feeding damage to the canola crop, with only a few plants showing obvious signs of chewing.
Click here for images of pasture day moth caterpillars and refer to PestFacts Issue No. 5 for further information.
What is PestFacts?
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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PestFacts is produced on an ʻas-needsʼ basis and relies upon pest observations and field reports from our subscribers. If you have recently observed invertebrate pests (or beneficial species) in broadacre crops, please contact us to report your observations.
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If you are a grower or agronomist in Victoria or NSW working with broadacre crops or pastures, we can assist you with identifying invertebrates found on farms at no cost. Please contact us for identification help.
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