SOUTHERN

REGION

GROWNOTES™
DECEMBER 2017

TIPS & TACTICS

RUSSIAN WHEAT APHID

Russian wheat aphid is established in Australia. Monitor carefully and

KEY POINTS manage where needed.
Russian wheat aphid (RWA) (Photo 1) can damage cereal crops and reduce yields. Growers
should implement the “FITE” strategy (Find, Identify, Threshold approach and Enact) and
• Russian wheat aphid (RWA) report any incursions.
is a high priority pest but it is
manageable.
IMPLEMENT A “FITE” STRATEGY
• The pest was found in
Australia in 2016. The first Find
case was identified in a wheat
Look for aphids and the characteristic plant symptoms of infection including
crop in South Australia’s Mid leaf streaking or leaf rolling on cereal crops and grasses (Photo 2).
North, and infestations now
stretch into Victoria, New Identify
South Wales and Tasmania. Positively identify RWA by consulting with an industry specialist.
• Russian wheat aphid survives
on a wide range of host plants
Threshold approach
Before deciding on your plan of attack consider thresholds for control,
and can reproduce rapidly.
the presence of natural aphid enemies in the crop, crop growth stage and
• Implement the FITE strategy potential yield losses.
(Find, Identify, Threshold
approach, Enact), see right
Enact
Take appropriate action: Manage your next steps including encouraging
and page 2.
beneficial insects and protecting honeybees before implementing control
• Report suspected sightings to options.
the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: Read more on page 2.
1800 084 881.
• Do not spray where pests are
not present or are present in
low numbers.
• GRDC and partners are
conducting ongoing research
and providing information
and advice to growers as it Photo 2: Symptoms of damage from RWA
becomes available. Photo 1: Russian wheat aphid adults. include leaf streaks and rolling of leaves.
Source: Helen Brodie, SARDI Source: Michael Nash, SARDI

P Level 4 | 4 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 | PO Box 5367, Kingston ACT 2604
grdc.com.au 1
T +61 2 6166 4500 F +61 2 6166 4599 E grdc@grdc.com.au
Taking the “FITE ” to the Russian wheat aphid
Find: symptoms of infection
Sample following a repeatable pattern that
targets early sown and volunteer plants.
A perimeter search and a ‘W’ shaped
search pattern through each paddock will
give a consistent sampling effort (Figure
1). Individual monitoring points could be
logged using GPS to increase accuracy of
repeated monitoring.

Look for:

1. Whitish, yellowish to pink-purple chlorotic

streaks along the length of the leaves
(Photo 2).

2. Longitudinal rolling of leaves where the

aphids shelter (Photo 3) Photo 3: Aphids inside a rolled leaf.
Source: Deanna Lush, AgCommunicators
These symptoms can often be confused
with nutrient deficiency or herbicide
damage from bleaching herbicides such as
diflufenican. Plant
sample Plant
Plants with heavy infestations of RWA have 1 sample
their growth stunted with tillers lying almost 10
parallel to the ground. Later infestations
of RWA can have a larger impact on yield
through affecting the development of
major yield contributing leaves (flag leaf,
leaf two and leaf three).

Infestation of the flag leaf may result in Plant

curling of the leaf, trapping the awn and sample
thus preventing the head from completely 3
emerging (Photo 4). This produces a
gooseneck head and, as a result, the grain Sample points
Photo 4: Trapped head of wheat.
does not properly mature. Heads can also Figure 1: Pattern for plant samples. Source: James Maino, cesar
appear bleached.

a b
Identifying the aphid
10 mm 20 30
Use a hand lens or smartphone macro
lens. The key things to look for are:
adult
• pale green colour (Figure 2a)

• approximately 2 mm long (Figure 2b)

c
• short antennae (Figure 2a)

• elongated spindle-shaped body (Figure

2c)

• two tiny tails at the rear end

(Figure 2c)

• lack of the usual excretion tubes or

‘exhaust pipes’ on the top of the rear
end of the body compared to other Figure 2: Russian wheat aphids have distinct physical features such as short antennae and
two tiny tails. Source: a) Helen Brodie, SARDI; c) Lisa Kirkland, cesar
cereal aphids (Figure 2a).

P Level 4 | 4 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 | PO Box 5367, Kingston ACT 2604
grdc.com.au 2
T +61 2 6166 4500 F +61 2 6166 4599 E grdc@grdc.com.au
Take a threshold approach
Aggressive action to kill aphids should
only be taken after RWA numbers reach
this threshold: More than 20% of seedlings
infested up to the start of tillering and 10%
of tillers infested thereafter.
Crop/yield loss may be minimised through
protection of the top three (major yield
contributing) leaves.
Consider:
• thresholds for control as well as the
crop’s growth stage, yield potential and
potential yield losses
• prevailing environmental conditions:
rainfall and drying winds can kill RWA
outside the shelter of leaf rolls, with
heavy rain events sometimes killing 50%
of the aphid population.
Enact an effective management
strategy
Genetic resistance of crops, strategic use
of insecticides, control of ‘green bridge’,
and promoting natural enemies will be
integral to the long-term management of
RWA. The main management strategies
fit into two categories: environmental and
chemical management.
Environmental management
There are three key steps to take:
1. Manage the ‘green bridge’
Many grass weed and pastures can host
RWA. Remove all volunteer cereal plants
either by spraying, cultivating or heavy
grazing at least four weeks before the next
crop is sown.
Control host weeds during the growing
season to prevent seed set that could
contribute to ‘green bridge’ development
in the next fallow period.
2. Consider planting timing and
location
If there are alternate hosts nearby, consider
planting crops away from them to reduce
the risk of infestation. There has been a
trend to plant earlier in the season, for
example to avoid frosts, however this is
risky because RWA infestation is more
likely with early planting.
3. Promote natural enemies
A crucial management strategy is to
preserve populations of natural enemies
to help manage aphid numbers. Natural
enemies include predators, parasitoids
P Level 4 | 4 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 | PO Box 5367, Kingston ACT 2604
T +61 2 6166 4500 F +61 2 6166 4599 E grdc@grdc.com.au
and pathogens (often referred to as
‘beneficials’). Integrated pest management
strategies should be used to encourage
the proliferation of natural enemies
wherever possible. These will complement
other control tactics such as insecticides,
cultural and genetic control options.
A diverse range of beneficial are known
to predate on RWA, including those that
commonly attack other cereal aphid
species in the Australian environment.
They include:
• Minute parasitoid wasps (Aphidius
colemani, A. platensis, Diaeretiella
rapae, Aphelinus asychis, A. varipes).
• Generalist predators including ladybird
beetles (Coccinella spp., Hippodamia
spp.) (Photo 5), lacewings (Chrysopa
spp.), damsel bugs (Nabis spp.) and
hoverflies (Syrphus spp.).
• Entomo-pathogenic (beneficial) fungi.
These fungi were favoured by high
rainfall during the 2016 growing season
and seemed to play a substantial role
in the unexpected and sharp decline of
RWA populations in spring of that year.
Many of these species are likely to be
most abundant in cereals in spring. The
presence (and activity) of beneficials
should be weighed up when determining
the most appropriate management option,
specifically in relation to insecticide timing
and choice.
Chemical management
Prophylactic sprays for managing invading
or dispersing RWA are not supported
and are generally ineffective in providing
protection. These sprays may be
detrimental to natural enemies and/or may
create secondary pest outbreaks, such as
other cereal aphids.
Do not spray unnecessarily, only
spray when economic thresholds
are reached.
Photo 5: Ladybirds are one of the many
beneficial insects for controlling pests.
Source: Maarten Van Helden, SARDI
Entomology
In-crop spraying
• If spraying is warranted, use softer
chemistry (e.g. pirimicarb) where possible
to encourage natural predators and
beneficial insects, especially early in the
season.
• Chlorpyrifos and pirimicarb are
currently registered for control
under two Australian Pesticides
and Veterinary Medicines Authority
(APVMA) Emergency Use Permits. Keep
chlorpyrifos for heavy infestations. Good
spray coverage and consideration of
weather conditions (temperature, rainfall)
in the 24 hours prior and shortly after
application are important.
Seed treatments
• Neonicotinoid seed treatments are
expected to provide effective early
season control of RWA. Preliminary
evidence indicates that the length
of protection against RWA provided
by seed treatments is similar to that
observed for other cereal aphid species.
• Prophylactic use of neonicotinoid seed
treatments is discouraged and use
should be targeted at those situations
deemed to be of higher risk (early
sowing, especially early sown barley
crops; or areas where volunteer cereals
and/or live aphids are identified prior to
sowing).
Find out more about
beneficials and integrated
pest management:
GRDC Insect ID: The Ute Guide,
available at Google Play or the
App Store, https://grdc.com.au/
resources-and-publications/apps/
insect-id-the-ute-guide
Beneficial Insects - The Back
Pocket Guide (Southern and
Western Regions), www.grdc.
com.au/BPG-BeneficialInsects-
SW
Integrated pest management &
pest suppressive landscapes with
Phil Bowden. Video https://youtu.
be/xkknl35m3GY
grdc.com.au 3
 NEED TO KNOW FACTS REPORT RWA

Read more in The Russian Wheat Aphid: RUSSIAN

WHEA
Report suspected new
FOR FUTU T APHID:
TACTICS
Tactics for Future Control (Umina et al. 2017). A RESOUR
RE CONT
ROL
infestations to the Exotic Plant
Pest Hotline 1800 084 881 or
CE
FOR AUSTRA
LIAN GRA
IN GROWER
S AND ADV

• The Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia)

ISERS
JULY 2017

the contacts provided below.

SOUTH

is a major pest found worldwide. This assists with monitoring and

• The primary mode of aphid dispersal is by confirming distribution (Figure
winged individuals, carried on prevailing 3) and informing other growers,
government agencies and
winds and on live plant material.
industry. Take an image of the
• Like most other introduced aphid pests infestation. You might be asked
in Australia, invasive populations of RWA to send a sample.
reproduce asexually with females giving EXOTIC PLANT PEST HOTLIN
1800 084 881
birth to live female offspring. After their E
fourth moult, nymphs develop into
either wingless or winged adults. • Victoria: send samples
• Reproductive behaviour of RWA varies around the world, using the CropSafe Sample
Recording Form. Or contact
influenced by geography, winter temperature and day length. The
03 5362 2111.
aphid’s lifecycle can be asexual (anholocyclic; adults give birth to live,
genetically identical nymphs), sexual (holocyclic), or a combination of • South Australia: send
both. RWA cause most crop damage in regions where they occurs with an samples to PestFacts, SARDI
anholocyclic lifecycle. Entomology Unit, GPO Box
397, Adelaide SA 5001.
• RWA is able to survive across a broad range of temperatures, although
development and reproductive rates are most prolific between 2°C and • New South Wales: to assist
25°C, with aphid numbers declining dramatically below and above these with providing information
limits. The optimum temperature range, where population growth is most on spread of RWA, any
rapid, is around 18°C to 21°C. Like other aphid species, RWA populations detections in central or
can increase >10-fold in less than 10 days under favourable conditions. Northern NSW should be
reported by sending images
• Unlike many other aphids, RWA does not seem to be a major vector of cereal to biosecurity@dpi.nsw.gov.au
viruses such as Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). However, it is different
from other aphids because it injects salivary toxins into the host plant during • Tasmania: The Entomology
Team in Plant Diagnostic
feeding. This kills the photosynthetic chloroplasts and causes chlorosis and
Services of DPIPWE will
necrosis of the infested leaves, sometimes leading to plant death.
identify aphids suspected of
Visit https://grdc.com.au/rwatacticsfuturecontrol for more information being RWA at no fee. For an
initial opinion, photos (with
location) can be sent to 0429
Preferred crops and hosts RWA establish most successfully where 852 886 or emailed to Guy.
there is a continual green bridge of host Westmore@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
The host range of RWA includes more than plants over the summer/autumn period.
140 species of cultivated and wild plants • Queensland: RWA has
within the Gramineae (grasses) family. Where wheat and barley sowing occurs NOT been detected. Call
in autumn/winter, with crops growing Biosecurity Queensland on
While Australian research is ongoing, actively from March to December, plus 13 25 23 or email photos of
recent international research indicates that spring sowing, the risk of RWA infestation
RWA tends to favour common cereal crops aphids or symptoms on plants
increases.
in this order: to: plantpestdiagnostics@daf.
Volunteer wheat plants may also emerge qld.gov.au
1. Barley over the summer period (December to
Most preferred March) and with summer growing grass • Western Australia: RWA has
2. Durum wheat NOT been detected. Report
species, these additional host plants allow
3. Bread wheat RWA populations to persist from one the absence of aphids, rather
4. Triticale growing season to the next. than just the presence. For
more information visit:
5. Cereal rye https://www.agric.wa.gov.
6. Oats au/barley/biosecurity-alert-
Source: GRDC, 2016. Least preferred russian-wheat-aphid

P Level 4 | 4 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 | PO Box 5367, Kingston ACT 2604
grdc.com.au 4
T +61 2 6166 4500 F +61 2 6166 4599 E grdc@grdc.com.au

RUSSIAN WHEAT APHID (Diuraphis noxia)
23 January 2017
NATIONAL SURVEILLANCE DATA MAP*
FAQS
STATE SURVEILLANCE DATA MAP*
When in the crop cycle are my crops
most at risk?
Timing of infestation is very important.
The most at risk time for the crop is from
stem elongation to when the flag leaves
emerge (Zadoks 30–39).
Some pests transmit viruses; does the
RWA?
Based on reports from South Africa,
RWA does not seem to be a good
vector of cereal viruses. The role
of RWA as a cereal virus vector in
Australia will be confirmed. Research is
underway.
How effective are parasitoids against
RWA?
Parasitoids are highly effective.
International research suggests the
main RWA parasitoid is D. rapae, which
has the ability, along with Aphidius spp.
to parasitise (mummify) 40–100 aphids
per day and 212–532 aphids over their
7–21 day lifetime at 20°C. In another
study, D. rapae produced up to 60
parasitised aphids per day at 21°C. This
parasitoid is present in Australia and
was recorded commonly parasitising
RWA crops in a survey in SA in 2016
(Umina et al. 2017).
P Level 4 | 4 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 | PO Box 5367, Kingston ACT 2604
T +61 2 6166 4500 F +61 2 6166 4599 E grdc@grdc.com.au
Figure 3: Map of the confirmed distribution of RWA as of May 2017. Source: AUSPestCheck
What should I do first?
Go through the FITE steps and, if you
think you have the aphid on your
property, call the Exotic Plant Pest
Hotline on 1800 084 881.
Should I spray to manage RWA?
Prophylactic sprays for managing invading
or dispersing RWA are not advised, and
are generally ineffective in providing
protectant activity. Refer to the Chemical
management section on page 3.
What other controls might be
available in the future?
GRDC and partners are investing in
research to understand the biology
and ecology of RWA in Australia
with the aim to provide more locally
relevant management strategies. This
includes integrated pest management,
insecticides that may be suitable for
application to seeds before planting
as well as exploring what genetic
resistance may be available in Australian
wheat and barley cultivars. To keep up
to date with new information, Sign up to
GrowNotes alerts https://grdc.com.au/
resources-and-publications/grownotes/
alerts to receive the latest information
on outbreaks relevant to your area.
What yield losses can occur?
International literature suggests that the
risk of economic yield loss caused by
RWA feeding is greatly reduced once
cereal crops reach the soft dough stage
(GS85). According to GRDC (2016): 1)
overseas data showed losses of 1 t/ha
occurred in plants 95% infested with
RWA at GS59; 2) in another overseas
study, losses increased from 18% with
15–20 aphids per shoot to 79% with
185–205 aphids per shoot. Research
is still underway specific to Australian
varieties and growing conditions.
Is it likely to spread further?
Russian wheat aphid is able to thrive at
a range of temperatures, surviving down
to as low as -37°C and as high as 45°C.
However, development and reproductive
rates are most prolific between 2°C and
25°C. The aphid has been detected
in South Australia, Victoria, New South
Wales and Tasmania. Growers and
advisers in all cereal growing areas
nationally are encouraged to closely
monitor their crops for signs of infestation
and report to relevant government
agencies. Good biosecurity practice
is encouraged to minimise the risk of
spreading the pest further.
grdc.com.au 5
 REFERENCES RESOURCES

GRDC (2016) Monitor RWA NSW DPI (2017) Russian Wheat DAFWA (2017), Biosecurity alert:
numbers closely over winter. Aphid. New South Wales Department Russian wheat aphid. Department
Paddock Practices, 27 June of Primary Industries, http://www.dpi. of Agriculture and Food Western
2016, GRDC, https://grdc.com. nsw.gov.au/content/biosecurity/plant/ Australia, https://www.agric.wa.gov.
au/Media-Centre/GRDC-E- russian-wheat-aphid au/barley/biosecurity-alert-russian-
Newsletters/Paddock-Practices/ wheat-aphid
Monitor-RWA-numbers-closely- QDAF (2017) The Beatsheet: Insect
over-winter Pest Management for Australia’s DPIWE (2016) Russian Wheat Aphid.
Northern Region. Queensland Department of Primary Industries,
P Umina, G Baker, O Edwards Department of Agriculture and Parks, Water and Environment
(2017) Russian Wheat Aphid: Fisheries, http://www.thebeatsheet. Tasmania, http://dpipwe.tas.gov.
Tactics for Future Control. com.au/ au/biosecurity-tasmania/plant-
GRDC, ISBN: 978-1-921779-41-1 biosecurity/pests-and-diseases/
(online only), https://grdc.com. Plant Health Australia (2017), russian-wheat-aphid-(rwa)
au/rwa-tacticsfuturecontrol Russian Wheat Aphid Management.
http://www.planthealthaustralia. Agriculture Victoria (2014) Cropsafe
com.au/russian-wheat-aphid- Program. Department of Economic
management/  Development, Jobs, Transport
and Resources Victoria, http://
PIRSA (2016) Russian Wheat Aphid. agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/
Primary Industries and Regions grains-and-other-crops/grain-and-
MORE INFORMATION South Australia, http://www.pir. crop-health/cropsafe-program
sa.gov.au/biosecurity/plant_health/
exotic_plant_pest_emergency_ CABI (2016) Diuraphis noxia
Leigh Nelson response/russian_wheat_aphid (Russian wheat aphid). Invasive
Manager – Pests, GRDC Species Compendium, 6 June
02 6166 4500 cesar (2017) PestFacts south- 2016, Wallingford, UK: CAB
leigh.nelson@grdc.com.au eastern, cesar pty ltd, http://www. International, http://www.cabi.org/
cesaraustralia.com/sustainable- isc/datasheet/9887
Paul Umina, cesar and The agriculture/pestfacts-south-eastern/
University of Melbourne pestfacts-issue-no-10-25th-
03 9349 4723 october-2017/
pumina@cesaraustralia.com
PIRSA (2016) PestFacts Issue 4, 2016
Greg Baker, SARDI – Russian Wheat Aphid. Primary
08 8303 9544 Industries and Regions South
greg.baker@sa.gov.au Australia, http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/
research/services/reports_and_
Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: newsletters/pestfacts_newsletter/
1800 084 881 pestfacts_issue_4_2016

DISCLAIMER: Any recommendations, suggestions or opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Grains Research and Development
Corporation. No person should act on the basis of the contents of this publication without first obtaining specific, independent professional advice. The Corporation and contributors
to this Fact Sheet may identify products by proprietary or trade names to help readers identify particular types of products. We do not endorse or recommend the products of any
manufacturer referred to. Other products may perform as well as or better than those specifically referred to. The GRDC will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred
or arising by reason of any person using or relying on the information in this publication.
CAUTION: RESEARCH ON UNREGISTERED AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL USE
Any research with unregistered agricultural chemicals or of unregistered products reported in this document does not constitute a recommendation for that particular use by the authors
or the authors’ organisations. All agricultural chemicals must accord with the currently registered label for that particular agricultural chemical, crop, pest and region. grdc.com.au 6
Copyright © All material published in this Tips ‘N’ Tactics is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the GRDC.