Dealing with Locust Swarms

All Victorian vegetable growers are at risk of losing crops to locust swarms this summer.

Vegetables such as carrots, cucurbits and tomatoes can be damaged as seedlings or immature plants.

Some Mallee vegetable growers reported crop losses to locusts last autumn.

Be aware of what is happening in areas where locusts are coming from, usually from the north. Locust swarm maps are available at:

http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/locust

• The Victorian Department of Primary Industries does not recommend the treatment of flying locusts, as it is generally ineffective.
• Crucifers with harder waxy leaves, such as broccoli may be less attractive to locusts but green heads may still be damaged.

Vegetable and herb growers must manage the risk of unacceptable chemical residues in their produce.

Unacceptable residues can lead to restriction or closure of export markets to all Australian vegetable and herb growers. Exporters should check the latest MRL import tolerances before using locust control chemicals.

The DPI website contains information about the use of chemicals to treat locusts and appropriate withholding periods to help growers meet the maximum residue limits for the Australian domestic market.

www.dpi.vic.gov.au/chemicalstandards

Specific market advice can also be provided through AusVeg, your chemical reseller, agronomist or chemical manufacturer. Talk to your agronomist about insecticides suitable for your situation.

SEE ALSO :

Locust Update for Southern Victoria   (29 Nov 2010)

Locusts – Spring 2010 (29 Jul 2010)

Mallee growers prepare for locusts (27 Sep 2010)

For more information contact your Industry Development Officers :