We have fielded numerous enquiries this week from consultants who would like to assess levels of whitefly parasitism. This is achievable in the field with the use of a hand lens.
Parasitism levels appear to be a little down from last year, but still good levels have been recovered. Parasitism so far has ranged from 50-90% in Emerald, 35% in St George, 20% on the Downs and 10% in lower Namoi. Read More




While soybeans are more likely to be attacked by helicoverpa from flowering onwards, severe infestations can occur as early as the seedling stage. In recent years, severe early infestations have been reported on the Downs and in the coastal Burnett with the affected crops experiencing significant yield losses.
Control of corn earworm, Helicoverpa armigera, in maize has generally not been practised because of the high cost associated with repeated insecticide application required during silking. In most years it is a case of forsaking the top of every cob to larval damage

Castor Oil Looper outbreak
Over the past week we have had several enquiries about large numbers of caterpillars destroying plants in home gardens. This pest has now been identified as castor oil looper – Achaea janata. While the entomology team does not generally report on home garden issues, this pest can also affect broadleaf crops such as soybeans and mungbeans.
The castor oil looper is a minor and sporadic pest but larger outbreaks are possible in some seasons. Large flights of castor oil looper moths have been reported over Southern Queensland during March. Read More »