AGRICULTURE Victoria has confirmed the presence of Russian wheat aphid in Victoria and experts have warned the pest cannot be eradicated.
Scientists at Agriculture Victoria’s Crop Health Services on Thursday confirmed samples from Horsham, Kaniva, Yaapeet and Nhill contained the pest, which has also been detected on South Australian farms.
The Guardian first reported suspected cases of the aphid had been found at different farms in the Mallee last week.
It was not previously known to occur in Australia.
Chief plant health officer Gabrielle Vivian-Smith said an emergency permit had been issued supporting the use of pirimicarb and chlorpyrifos products for the control of Russian wheat aphid in winter cereals.
“We have posted a copy of a permit on our website to authorise grain growers to use specific chemicals to control Russian wheat aphid,” Dr Vivian-Smith said.
“If farmers make the decision to spray they should adhere to all general chemical use practices.”
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