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Temperature-based model predicts timing of pea weevil infestations in field pea crops
South Perth, Australia
August 26, 2005

Western Australian growers may soon be able to predict the timing of pea weevil infestations in field pea crops using a temperature-based model developed in South Australia. 

The Department of Agriculture is encouraging  local growers and crop consultants to help trial the model in Western Australia to optimise the timing of sweep-net monitoring and spraying of crops for pea weevil.

Department pulse extension officer Ian Pritchard said many growers who failed to monitor crops, ended up spraying too early to control the pest.

“The South Australian model has yet to be validated for Western Australia's conditions and will require the input of field pea producers throughout the State’s grainbelt,” Mr Pritchard said.

“The model was developed by the South Australian Agricultural Research and Development Institute and is available to trial from http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au in the entomology section.”

Mr Pritchard said Western Australian growers would need to monitor their field pea crops with a sweep net to determine when the pea weevil invasions commenced and then compare the field results with the model.  The results should be forwarded to Mark Seymour on 9083 1143 or Ian Pritchard on 9690 2158.

“As a general guide, growers should begin monitoring the crop with a sweep net just before the first pods begin to form (5 – 7 days after flowering). Monitoring is best on warm days above 18°C, firstly along the edges of paddocks near trees and last year’s field pea stubble,” he said.

“If more than one pea weevil in 100 sweeps is present then spraying a synthetic pyrethroid immediately is recommended.

“In large, tree-cleared paddocks, it is only necessary to spray a 60 metre border around the paddock because pea weevils work their way in from the edges of the paddock.  Eggs on pods and larvae in pods will not be killed by insecticide so it is important to kill adults before they lay eggs.”

Mr Pritchard said monitoring should recommence about 14 days after spraying, and if more pea weevils were found then the entire crop would need to be sprayed.

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