Locust numbers rise after favourable conditions

Adult locusts. IMAGE: PIRSA

Authorities in South Australia and Victoria are urging producers to remain alert as Australian plague locust activity increases following widespread summer rainfall.

Low to medium-density populations have been detected across parts of South Australia’s eastern Mallee and northern pastoral regions, while higher-than-normal numbers of adult locusts are also active in north-west Victoria.

Primary Industries and Regions South Australia says conditions remain well below the major outbreak levels seen in 2010, however abundant green feed and good soil moisture are creating favourable breeding conditions.

Agriculture Victoria says adult locusts are expected to continue laying eggs through May and June, with hatchings likely in spring if rainfall conditions remain favourable over winter.

Officials warn unmanaged hopper bands could later move into cropping regions during September and October, potentially threatening pasture and grain production areas.

Producers are being encouraged to regularly monitor paddocks and report activity through state reporting systems or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline as surveillance and risk assessment work continues across affected regions.