The presence of Russian wheat aphid has now been confirmed in Victoria.

The presence of Russian wheat aphid has now been confirmed in Victoria.

Locations are detailed on this map [PDF File – 4.7 MB].

Authorities are also responding to the detection of this exotic pest in South Australia. A decision has been made nationally that it is not technically feasible to eradicate Russian wheat aphid from Australia.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) have issued an emergency permit (82792) for growers to control Russian wheat aphid.

• Permit 82792 [PDF File – 33.3 KB]
• Permit 82792 [MS Word Document – 46.8 KB]

This fact sheet includes treatment advice:

• Russian Wheat Aphid Treatment Advice 9/6/2016 [MS Word Document – 176.7 KB]

Victorian grain growers should be vigilant and follow good on-farm biosecurity practices.

The following information is provided to aid grain growers taking samples and providing them for testing if they suspect Russian wheat aphid is impacting their crop.

• Taking and submitting samples for identification factsheet [PDF File – 407.2 KB]
• Taking and submitting samples for identification factsheet [MS Word Document – 332.3 KB]

More information

• Plant Health Australia has information on the Russian wheat aphid including photos and reporting details.
• Information on the South Australian response to the detection of Russian wheat aphid.
• The Farm Biosecurity website contains a guide for grain growers regarding good on-farm practices.

Figure 1: Colony of Russian wheat aphids in a wheat leaf.
Photo: Frank Peairs, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org