Budworm Bulletin
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Budworm Bulletin. Number 1. September 24, 1997 Budworm Bulletin Information on Native Budworm in Victorian Field Crops The Budworm Watch program is supported by the Grains Research & Development Corporation BULLETIN NUMBER 1. SEPTEMBER 24, 1997 (3 PAGES) From Melina Miles & Barry Robinson. VIDA Horsham. Ph (03) 53622 111, Fax (03) 53622 187 Julian Connellan, Swan Hill. Ph (03) 50324 461. Pollfax access: Dial 1902 990 506 or 0055 10700 from your fax machine. Document No. 33301. WELCOME TO ANOTHER SEASON OF BUDWORM WATCH. The outlook for 1997 The prediction for native budworm in the coming season is for average to below average numbers in most areas. There are large breeding populations in Western Australia and smaller populations in south western Qld/NSW. During September conditions have been suitable for the migration of moths from both WA and Qld (prevailing westerly and northerly winds associated with the passing of frontal systems across southeastern Australia). Trap catches in the Mallee indicate that we are getting moths from both these sources, but the migration into the Wimmera has been less evident. Significant flights of moths into the mallee Native budworm moths have been present in the north west cropping region for over a month, but traps have been operating in the Mallee and Wimmera only since the beginning of September. In that time there have been significant flights of moths into the Mallee on several occasions (see table), but large flights of moths are yet to be recorded in the Wimmera. Trap site Crop Total moths for 10 Stage of crop days (10 Sept-19 Sept) development Woorinen (NW of Swan Hill) canola 674 flowering Ultima (SW of Swan Hill) vetch 234 vegetative Ultima faba beans 2220 flowering Swan Hill chickpeas 321 vegetative Swan Hill field peas 132 vegetative Birchip field peas 34 vegetative, early flowering Brim field peas 10 early flowering Dooen (NE of Horsham) canola 102 flowering Dooen faba beans 74 flowering Polkemet (NW of Horsham) field peas 8 vegetative Quantong (W of Horsham) faba beans 24 vegetative There is a marked difference in the numbers of moths caught in flowering and non-flowering crops. Native budworm moths are attracted to flowers to feed. Female moths require nectar for energy to fly and mature eggs, therefore moths will move preferentially into flowering crops. As a result, trap catches are higher in flowering crops, and more indicative of subsequent budworm infestations in podding crops. Budworm Bulletin No.1, September 24, 1997 Why use a 10-day tally? Daily fluctuations in moth trap catches make it difficult to interpret how large, or small, the moth population in a district is likely to be. Research undertaken by Department entomologists over the last 5 years has shown that there are a number of factors that affect trap catches. For example, weather conditions, particularly evening temperatures; the number of flowering crops nearby; the presence of flowering weeds such as oxalis or capeweed. After studying the relationship between trap catches and the number of eggs laid in crops for 5 years the entomologists found that using a 10-day running tally of moth numbers provided the most meaningful measure of egg laying. The following thresholds are devised to provide a rough guide to a level of moth activity likely to result in one egg being laid on approximately 5% of field pea plants: Northern Mallee: cumulative 10-day tally of 400 moths Southern Wimmera: cumulative 10-day tally of 180 moths The difference between the thresholds is to account for the generally higher level of moth flight activity in the Mallee, probably because of the higher night temperatures. In practice this means that although twice as many moths may be caught in Mallee traps, the number of eggs laid in crops in the Mallee and Wimmera may not differ significantly. Select a threshold between the extremes that is appropriate for your district. For example, if you are at Birchip you would use a threshold of around 300. It should be remembered that high levels of moth activity does not always result in large numbers of larvae (caterpillars). Eggs and young larvae can be dislodged from plants by rain and wind. There are also a large number of insects which prey on native budworm eggs and early instar larvae (caterpillars). For example, ants, lacewings, wasps and predatory beetles can have a big impact on the resulting budworm population. Egg numbers in Mallee crops Egg-laying is occurring in flowering crops where significant numbers of moths are being caught. However, the rainfalls over the past fortnight have reduced the number of eggs surviving on the plants. In monitored paddocks, up to 25% of plants have had eggs, but these percentages have been reduced following rain. As yet there is no evidence of major larval populations in flowering or podding crops. Given the timing of moth flights and egg laying it will be 5-10 days before larvae start to emerge (based on historical average temperature data for Swan Hill). Overview of the Wimmera Although there have been suitable conditions for migration, the numbers of moths caught has been low, even in flowering crops. As yet there is no indication that there is significant egg-laying in crops. OTHER ISSUES Aphids in cereals, pulses and canola In spring, aphids typically start to invade crops from neighbouring weeds. The infestations are usually confined to the crop margins, but will occasionally become more widespread through the crop. In pulses, cowpea aphids tend to colonise the growing points and early infestations can be difficult to detect. In canola the flowering head is infested. In cereals, infestations of oat aphids colonise the base of the plants, and corn aphids the leaves and leaf whorls. The direct impact of aphids is difficult to measure, and aphids do not have an impact on yield unless the population is large, or present on the plants for an extended period. Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) can cause significant yield losses when young plants are infected. Transmission of BYDV by spring infestations of aphids has no impact on yield. 2 Budworm Bulletin No.1, September 24, 1997 The important thing to remember with aphids is not to rush in and spray, chemical control is not always warranted with aphids. Unless numbers of aphids are extremely high it is advisable to monitor infested paddocks a second time, about 4 days later, to determine whether the population is continuing to increase in size. Check across the paddock to clarify whether the infestation is restricted to the crop edges, or is more widespread. In past years, infestations of aphids have declined naturally as the crops start to mature and dry off, later in spring. This occurs as the plants become unsuitable for aphid survival and the aphids either die or migrate out of crops to surrounding weeds and grasses where they survive the summer. Rain and natural enemies are also important factors in regulating aphid populations. Rain will wash aphids off plants, and reduce numbers. Wasps, ants, lacewings, ladybirds and a range of other insects feed on aphids keeping the populations under control. Generally aphids only become major problems when conditions are warm and dry, plants are under moisture stress, and the activity of natural enemies is hampered by unsuitable climatic conditions or the application of insecticides. INSECT PEST IDENTIFICATION BROCHURES Guides to the key insect pests of cereals, pulses, canola, pasture and false wireworm Agriculture Victoria has recently released a set of insect identification brochures for grain growers and their advisers. The set of five brochures have full colour pictures of the major insect pests and recommendations for sampling, action thresholds and information on pest lifecycles. The brochures are free and available from Agriculture Victoria offices or Agriculture Victoria, VIDA, Horsham. For your copies phone 03 53622 111. 3 Budworm Bulletin. Number 2. October, 1, 1997 Budworm Bulletin Information on Native Budworm in Victorian Field Crops The Budworm Watch program is supported by the Grains Research & Development Corporation BULLETIN NUMBER 2. OCTOBER 1, 1997 (2 PAGES) From Melina Miles & Barry Robinson. VIDA Horsham. Ph (03) 53622 111, Fax (03) 53622 187 Julian Connellan, Swan Hill. Ph (03) 50324 461. Pollfax access: Dial 1902 990 506 or 0055 10700 from your fax machine. Document No. 33301. MOTH TRAP CATCHES FOR THE 10 DAYS 17-26 SEPTEMBER, 1997 Trap site Crop Total moths for 10 Stage of crop days (17 Sept-26 Sept) development Mallan, NSW canola 179 flowering Woorinen (NW of Swan Hill) canola 307 flowering Ultima (SW of Swan Hill) vetch 157 vegetative Ultima faba beans 887 flowering Swan Hill chickpeas 125 vegetative Swan Hill field peas 62 vegetative Goschen (SW Swan Hill) field peas 90 flowering Dumosa field peas 152 (22-26 Sept) flowering Birchip field peas 5 vegetative, early flowering Brim west field peas 10 early flowering Dooen (NE of Horsham) canola 118 flowering Dooen faba beans 89 flowering Polkemet (NW of Horsham) field peas 2 vegetative Quantong (W of Horsham) faba beans 29 vegetative Moth numbers in the Mallee are generally lower than the last 10 day period, but continue to contribute to the build up of eggs in flowering crops. Surveys of crops around Swan Hill have shown that there are both eggs and early instar (1-2) larvae present in crops. However, larval densities are mostly well below threshold with averages of between 0.5 and 1.5 larvae per 10 sweeps being found. Highest numbers of larvae are again being found in vetch. In the Wimmera, moth numbers remain low at almost all trap sites, consequently with little egg laying evident. With northerly winds predicted for the next couple of days, and many crop starting to flower, it is possible that higher numbers of moths could be recorded.