South Perth, Western Australia
September 6, 2004
Comprehensive
information on this year’s expected locust outbreak in the
central and southern Wheatbelt is now available from the
Department of Agriculture,
Western Australia.
The Australian Plague Locust Bulletin and
website will harnesses all the latest information about the pest
and control options.
Surveys by the Department indicate there may be a
moderate to severe locust outbreak this spring and summer, with
the largest number of locusts expected in the shires of
Mukinbudin, Westonia and to the north of the Yilgarn (Southern
Cross) and Mount Marshall (Bencubbin).
Department plant pest manager Damian Collopy said
the Australian Plague Locust Bulletin provided a useful guide to
affected landholders and householders to manage the locust
outbreak.
“A co-ordinated program is being undertaken by
the Department to reduce the formation of large, high density
swarms, which, if left unchecked, can fly large distances and
cause widespread damage,” Mr Collopy said.
“However, landholders will need to control
hoppers and flying locusts that cause damage on their
properties.”
The Bulletin includes several pictures to help
identify the Australian Plague Locust, a graphic showing their
lifecycle and when eggs are expected to hatch, as well as
registered control options.
The website contains the Bulletin information and
frequently asked questions. Once the monitoring commences,
hatching location maps will be updated on a daily basis.
The Department will work with landholders to
monitor hatchings from mid September through to October to help
identify Priority Target Zones. These zones are used to help
prepare detailed property surveys to target high risk areas for
control.
“The Agriculture Protection Board and the
Department will supplement control measures by individual
landholders to attack the worst affected areas and reduce the
potential for locusts to form damaging swarms,” Mr Collopy said.
“This is expected to be carried out between
mid-October and mid to late November.”
Copies of the Australian Plague Locust Bulletin
are available from Department of Agriculture offices or from the
website
www.agric.wa.gov.au/locusts |