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The first detection of Russian wheat aphid (RWA) in Australia occurred on cereal crops in May 2016. Within one month a combined industry-government biosecurity committee determined that an eradication attempt for RWA was unlikely to be successful.
RWA is now a management concern for grain growers in regions where it has been found (South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania) and poses a risk for currently unaffected regions.
It is not yet known what effect Australian conditions will have on RWA’s ability to establish and feed on hosts, which include wheat, barley and a large range of cultivated and wild grasses.
Since RWA has not been previously detected in Australia, limited research under local agro-climatic conditions and farming systems currently exists. A new GRDC investment, ‘Russian wheat aphid risk assessment and regional thresholds’ has been launched to investigate regional risk and management tactics for RWA. The project is being led by the South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI). View the project flyer
As a part of this project, we have developed an interactive map that provides real time distribution data for RWA, with source data from project trial sites, reports to PestFacts, and summer surveillance activities.
RWA Interactive Map: RWA detections 2016-2019 based on 2018/2019 green bridge surveillance and advisor reports to PestFacts. Presences are represented by red aphids, and absences by green aphids with cross out (Map developer: Dr James Maino, cesar). Full screen map
Project advice:
RWA 2019 Trial Site Report #1 ll RWA 2019 Trial Site Report #2 ll RWA 2019 Trial Site Report #3 ll RWA 2019 Trial Site Report #4 ll RWA 2019 Trial Site Report #5
Information for affected regions
Growers and advisors should refer to the GRDC Russian Wheat Aphid Tips and Tactics, delivered through Grow Notes, for advice on managing RWA, or refer to the Russian Wheat Aphid: Tactics for Future Control resource.
If you suspect a RWA infestation, remember to follow each step in the FITE strategy:
Find
Look for aphids and the characteristic plant symptoms of infection including leaf streaking or leaf rolling on cereal crops and grasses.
Identify
Positively identify RWA by consulting with an industry specialist (You can contact the PestFacts insect identification service if in doubt).
Threshold approach
Before deciding on your plan of attack consider thresholds for control, the presence of natural aphid enemies in the crop, crop growth stage and potential yield losses.*
Enact
Take appropriate action: Manage your next steps including encouraging beneficial insects and protecting honeybees before implementing control options.
Watch this video to learn more about the FITE strategy.
*A diverse range of beneficial insects are known to predate on RWA and these populations will build in response to the presence of aphids throughout the season. Growers are encouraged to consider control options that will have minimal impact on beneficial populations. This investment will also investigate beneficial predation of RWA during the summer period, which will add to our knowledge of how to manage RWA at a regional level. Read about our green bridge surveillance work.
Information for unaffected regions
Suspected infestations in WA, NT and QLD should be reported to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. These reports will aid in improving our understanding of the RWA range and rate of spread.
If you do suspect an infestation, take an image of the infestation or plant symptoms. You might be asked to send a sample for identification.
Biosecurity best practices should be followed on-farm and by regular farm visitors, such as advisors. These include:
For more information on biosecurity best practices visit farmbiosecurity.com.au, contact your state Grains Biosecurity Officer or download the Biosecurity Manual for Grain Producers.
This research initiative is a GRDC investment that seeks to deliver information on Russian Wheat Aphid management for grain growers. This project is being undertaken by the South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI) and cesar.
