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Sticky trap to catch mites

5 June 2009

The Department of Agriculture and Food is using a novel monitoring method to detect the wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella), the only known vector of wheat streak mosaic virus, in Western Australian wheat crops.

Department entomologists have modified a technique previously used in the United States, replacing sticky tape with black contact paper, to trap mites as they emerge from wheat heads and leaves.

Department entomologist Dusty Severtson said testing a crop for the presence of this mite had been difficult until now.

“The mite is smaller than the ball on a ball-point pen and cannot be seen with the naked eye or even with a 10 times magnification lens,” Mr Severtson said.

“A stereo microscope is required, and this makes in-field detection difficult. The mite hides within the wheat heads and leaves, making plant dissections very time consuming and labour intensive.  The fact that the mite travels by wind makes it even more of a challenge.”

Mr Severtson said generally wheat curl mite did not respond to traditional insecticide treatments, therefore if wheat streak mosaic virus was present in a crop, the mites could spread the disease further.

“The use of black book cover contact ensures the pale coloured mites show up easily under lighting,” he said.

“The result is that we have been able to quickly detect wheat curl mite over widespread areas and at many times of the year, and advise farmers of possible risks for the coming season.”

The wheat curl mite project is a joint department and Grains Research and Development Corporation funded project to identify areas where WSMV and mites may be posing a risk to crops.

Department entomologist Dusty Severtson using the ‘black contact’ technique to check for the presence of wheat curl mite in wheat heads.

Media Contacts

Dusty Severtson, entomologist , 9368 3249

Katrina Bowers / Lisa Bertram, Media Liaison, 9368 3937 / 9368 3325