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Early instar pasture tunnel moth larvae (Philobota productella) have been identified for agronomist, Peter Spencer (IK Caldwell), from a wheat paddock near Cobram in the Northern Country district of Victoria. The grubs had caused significant damage to about half of a 40 hectare paddock and Peter estimates their density at approximately 6-10 per square foot. Larvae were found to be cutting off leaves at the base and dragging them back into their burrows to feed. Some plant litter was also being left on the ground. Peter says silk lined burrows with ‘chimney’ openings were found across the affected area, which are characteristic of pasture tunnel moth activity. These chimneys may be washed away after significant rain.
Pasture tunnel moths are native to Australia. They are normally found in higher rainfall districts and can cause significant damage to annual and perennial grasses, and clovers. They are not typically associated with cereal crops. The larvae are slender, grey in colour with a black head and grow up to 35 mm long. Larvae leave their burrows at night and feed nearby on crop or pasture plants. Adult moths are elongate, 20 mm long, creamy-white in colour and have a wingspan of approximately 25 mm.
Most damage by pasture tunnel moths occurs in July and August, and is often associated with blackheaded pasture cockchafers. Peter says cockchafers were present in the affected area but did not appear to be in as high numbers as the pasture tunnel moth larvae. Rain stimulates both of these pests to come to the surface and feed. Paddocks should be inspected now and throughout winter for signs of damage and formation of chimneys or silk-lined burrows. Densities of >70 pasture tunnel moth larvae per square metre appear to cause significant damage. There are no chemicals registered for the control of pasture tunnel moth, however some growers have reported that similar products and rates used against blackheaded pasture cockchafers have provided satisfactory control.
Click here for images of pasture tunnel moths.
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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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