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Agronomist, Craig Drum (Tatyoon Rural), reports finding unusual damage in a canola crop south of Ararat, in the Western district of Victoria. The affected crop has been growing well and is approximately 1.8 m in height, however pods have been found ‘chopped off’ about half way along, and in some cases chopped off at the stem. No insect pests were found on the plants, however high numbers (hundreds per m2) of adult vegetable beetles (Gonocephalum spp.) were found on the ground beneath the plants. It was initially thought that these may be the cause, however when later walking through the crop, Craig also noticed a significant number of sparrows flying around the crop canopy.
Senior Technical Officer, Ken Henry (SARDI), says that despite the high numbers of vegetable beetles found, they are unlikely to be responsible for the damage as they do not typically feed on crop plants at this time of year. In this instance it appears that the birds might be responsible for the damage being seen. Craig says the affected area is currently about 5 acres, and is along a crop edge adjacent to some shrubby bushes, which appear to be housing the sparrows. It is hoped that removing these bushes will help to reduce the numbers of birds moving into the crop.
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.
Agricultural invertebrate identification
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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