GROWERS URGED TO PREPARE FOR SPRING LOCUST RISK

South Australian growers are being encouraged to prepare for an increased risk of Australian plague locust activity this spring, following widespread breeding conditions created by late summer rainfall.

The Australian Plague Locust Commission says there is currently no immediate threat to crops, with locusts remaining in the overwintering egg stage. However, moderate to high regional infestations are considered possible later this year.

The greatest risk is expected across the North East pastoral region, the Flinders, Riverland and Murraylands, where medium to high-density hatchings could begin from the middle of September.

If seasonal conditions remain favourable, the insects may develop into winged adults capable of moving into neighbouring agricultural districts.

For now, the Commission says the priority is monitoring conditions and preparing for spring, with growers in higher-risk regions encouraged to keep up to date through the Commission's regular locust bulletins.