Farmers urged to be vigilant

ONE of the world’s worst wheat pests is suspected to have been located in the southern Mallee this week but agronomists have urged farmers not to panic.

A case of Russian wheat aphid (RWA) was confirmed in the mid-north of South Australia last week and Agriculture Victoria has warned the pest has been located on the Victorian border.

Unconfirmed cases have also been reported in the southern Mallee at Yaapeet and Ouyen.

Swan Hill-based agronomist Matthew Witney said he had located the suspected RWA at Yaapeet and sent it to Horsham for testing.

“It’s the first time I have ever seen the Russian aphid, “Mr Witney said.

“In fact, it’s my understanding that it has never been in Victoria before.”

“All of our information is coming from overseas, other countries who have more experience with the RWA.”

Mr Witney said it was important for farmers to stay up-to-date with industry guidelines and recommended responses.

“It appears from the overseas experience, the RWA is quite easy to control,” he said.

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