Locusts

Constraint – Locust

Appearance

• The yellow-winged locust is a large, strongly built insect

• Females are 44-50 mm long and males are 38-44 mm long

• The general body colour is usually green or yellow

•  It frequently makes a loud clicking noise when flying

Symptoms

• Locusts generally eat the leaves of canola while they are green

• Little damage is caused when the pods have dried off/ been windrowed

Damage

• Damage can be extensive when a swarm is present, whole crops can be destroyed

• Locust body parts may result in the remaining seed being downgraded, or rejected entirely

Control

Egg beds from which hoppers are emerging can be sprayed. Bands of hoppers on the ground can be sprayed, before they are able to fly. This is the most effective stage at which to target locusts. Flying swarms can be sprayed by aircraft, as can swarms that settle on the ground.

Links and Resources

DEPI VIC - Plague locusts Introduction, risk to grain crops, monitoring, treatment options and timing, marketing procedure, recieval standards, and obligations. Page last updated 2014.

DPI NSW - Locust damage in crops and pastures 5 page PDF. How much do locusts eat, damage to crops, spring, grain recieval standards, summer crops, damage to pasture, and frequently asked questions. Published 2010.

GRDC - Locust factsheet 8 page PDF. Introduction, key points, assessing, estimating, and planning, controlling outbreaks, withholding periods, recieval standards, tips for using insecticides, and alternatives to chemical pesticides. Last updated 2010.

Insectopedia- Plague locusts Description, biology, monitoring, sampling, and control. Published 2000.