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Severe locust threat averted through cool spring

30 November 2009

The severe locust threat across Western Australia’s farming region has been averted by unusually cool spring conditions.

Following extensive on-farm monitoring, the Department of Agriculture and Food will not be required to carry out an aerial spraying program this year.

Department locust incident manager Dennis Rafferty said cool weather had delayed and staggered locust hatchings, which was good news for farmers.

“The delay meant crops and pastures in many areas had also dried off by the time locusts reached damaging numbers, reducing feed availability and the potential for locusts to form high-density swarms,” Mr Rafferty said.

Surveys earlier in the year had predicted significant locust hatchings for more than 15 shires in the State’s grainbelt and along the south coast during spring under average weather conditions.

Mr Rafferty said flying locusts and some low density swarms would still occur across the agricultural region and the department would continue to monitor the situation.

“While the prolonged cool and wet conditions have saved us from potentially damaging, high-density swarms this summer, flying locusts will still be present across the wheatbelt,” he said.

“Motorists are advised that locusts may still affect driving conditions and there remains potential for impacts on town sites, gardens and sporting facilities.”

Mr Rafferty said recent rainfall had raised the prospect of increased numbers of locusts developing through to the adult stage and increased egg production if locusts took advantage of green vegetation.

“Ongoing monitoring of properties by the department and farmers will remain critical to determine levels of locusts through the summer and into autumn next year,” Mr Rafferty said.

“Landholders should continue to report locusts to the department so adults, body condition, reproductive capacity and egg laying can be monitored as the season progresses.”

Media contacts:

Dennis Rafferty, locust incident manager                              9780 6255

Jodie Thomson/Lisa Bertram, media liaison                        9368 3937/9368 3325