Australian plague locust

Although numbers of Australian plague locusts (Chortoicetes terminifera) have returned to near normal levels in many areas, the Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) has advised there may still be some activity in parts of Victoria and New South Wales this spring. Egg-laying was reported in isolated pockets of both states during autumn this year, and landholders should take note of the regions most likely to be affected.

Within Victoria, there is a possibility of high-density nymphs and some nymphal bands forming in the southern Grampians district, with egg-laying reported in several locations between Ararat and Hamilton, and also in the Lake Bolac and Skipton areas. There is a possibility for lower densities of nymphs in a more widespread area affecting other parts of the Wimmera and Northern Country districts. In New South Wales, a localised nymph population is likely to occur in part of the south-eastern Riverina, with high density egg-laying recorded in the Savernake-Oaklands area.

Expected hatching dates for locust eggs in New South Wales are in the first week of October, and in Victoria hatching is expected to commence from mid-October to early November, depending on the region. Senior Research Officer, Kym Perry (SARDI), says recent surveys in South Australia confirmed expectations that locust numbers this spring will be significantly lower than last spring. The main factor for the reduced populations is the absence of major adult fly-ins and egg-laying activity during autumn.

However, growers should remain vigilant and report significant locust activity to the relevant authorities. The APLC undertakes monitoring of locust populations in inland eastern Australia and manages outbreaks that have the potential to inflict significant damage to agriculture in more than one member state as a result of population build-up and migration. Further information on the current situation and locusts in general can be obtained from the APLC website.