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Sandgropers |
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Cylindracheta spp.
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Adult sandgroper (Cylindracheta spp.)
? Agriculture Western Australia
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Description
Sandgropers remain under the soil surface and live specimens are only seen when soil is worked or dug. The body is cylindrical and up to 75 mm long. The front section of the body is hard and orange-brown whereas the remainder of the body is soft and cream. Young sandgropers are similar to the adult except they are smaller and paler. The front legs are flat and strong for efficient digging.
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Sandgroper attacking roots
? Agriculture Western Australia
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Life cycle
Little is known about these creatures but adults probably survive the summer at some depth. Eggs are probably laid in autumn and winter as young may be seen throughout the winter. Adults and young look alike and at no stage does this insect have wings. |
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Crop thinning
? Agriculture Western Australia
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Damage
Plants affected by sandgropers turn yellow, wilt and die, giving rise to bare or thinned patches in the crop. Barley, sweet lupins and wheat are the most susceptible crops and damage is more likely to occur in the sandy coastal areas north of Perth. Sandgropers attack the underground portions of the stem, and to a lesser extent the roots, giving them a characteristic shredded appearance. |
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First signs of attack
? Agriculture Western Australia
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Control
Autumn fallowing for several weeks would reduce numbers but this may be insufficient to prevent damage. If it is known that a large population exists in a paddock, it may be advisable to plant oats which are less susceptible to attack. |
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