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As speculated in the previous issue of ‘PestFacts South-Eastern’, native budworm (Helicoverpa punctigera) activity appears to have increased significantly over the past fortnight following the warm weather and prevailing northerly winds that occurred in many regions around mid-September. Agronomist, Greg Paul (IMAG Consulting), from Forbes in the Central West Slopes and Plains district of New South Wales says many native budworm moths were seen in the area around this time. Early instar caterpillars have now been found in high numbers in some chickpea crops and will be monitored closely as they increase in size in the coming weeks.
Native budworm have also been reported by agronomist, Terry Edis (Elders), from several canola crops east of Griffith, in the Riverina district of New South Wales. Numbers ranged from approximately 20 to 50 caterpillars per 10 sweeps, and control options are currently being considered. Terry also reports finding a small amount of damage resembling native budworm feeding, in a crop of field peas, however no caterpillars could be found upon visual inspection.
Native budworm larvae grow up to 40 mm long with substantial colour variation (shades of brown, green and orange), usually with darkish strips along the body and bumpy skin with sparse stiff black hairs. Newly hatched larvae are light in colour with dark brown heads and spots, and as they develop they become darker in colour. Crops that may be attacked by native budworm include field peas, faba beans, lentils, chickpeas, lupins and canola, as well as pasture seed crops of lucerne, annual medic and clover.
Click here for images of native budworm and refer to PestFacts Issue No. 10 for more information.
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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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