Grains biosecurity officer Jim Moran said surveillance throughout the life of a crop will provide the best possible chance of identifying new weeds, pests and diseases early — just after symptoms appear — and will significantly increase the possibility of being able to eradicate the pest, and minimise crop damage and loss of income.
“Whether it’s something new to Australia, or an established pest that’s new to your farm, there can be multiple impacts on productivity from weeds, pests and diseases without early interventions,” Mr Moran said.
“If you have imported fodder, grain or stockfeed lately from other regions onto your property, you need to be particularly vigilant about surveillance for germinating plants, new insects and disease symptoms.
“Check the places where it was stored and fed to livestock, and in paddocks nearby.
“There are many ways unwanted, uncontrolled and unclean arrivals can spread problems for you.”
Weeds, pests and diseases arrive as seeds, eggs, spores and other microscopic particles. They are transported in and on soil, plant matter, machinery, work boots, vehicles, trucks, equipment and livestock.
“Once established, they can increase your cost of production through chemical applications, decrease yields through plant damage and delay, and may impact on the quality, price and marketability of your finished product, if you get one,” Mr Moran said.
A successful surveillance program is only possible if you have a thorough knowledge of the common pests of the crop(s) you are growing.
“Whether it’s you, a family member or your agronomist who does the surveillance, knowing what’s normal to expect in your crop, will help to identify, through elimination, any unusual weeds, pests and diseases,” Mr Moran said.
There are numerous sources of excellent information on both common and exotic grain pests and diseases, which support surveillance activity.
Information is found in booklets, ute guides, fact sheets, websites, social media forums, various crop disease apps for mobile devices, and grower group publications such as e-newsletters.
Key points:
● Plan regular and thorough surveillance of your crops and at-risk areas of the property.
● Listen for pest and disease risk alerts issued by various agencies and organisations.
● Get diagnostic advice from an expert in weeds, plant pests and diseases.
● Send samples of anything unusual to experts for analysis (for example, to Agriculture Victoria and the Cropsafe program).
● Download free copies of the Biosecurity Manual for Grain Producers Monitoring Stored Grain on Farmand booklet.
● Install a biosecurity sign to help control movement of people and their vehicles onto your property.
Contact Jim Moran at Agriculture Victoria in Epsom on 0418 377 930 for advice.
For more information on biosecurity or the Grains Farm Biosecurity Program, visit www.planthealthaustralia.com.au and www.agriculture.vic.gov.au
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