Aussie Growers Address Exotic Pest Outbreak in Queensland

By Jim.Robinson|February 11, 2010

According to Cotton Australia, an exotic species of mealybug has been identified in cotton crops in at least 30 farms throughout the Emerald area of Central Queensland, Australia.   The pest was first sent for sampling by expert cotton industry entomologist, Dave Murray, on January 13, and has been confirmed as a species different to the mealybugs experienced in cotton in Australia before.

Phenacoccus solenopsis is known as the Solenopsis mealybug because it is sometimes found underground in fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) nests in the southeast United States (Texas) where the mealybug is endemic.

Approximately 50 growers and industry representatives met in Emerald on February 4 to discuss this issue. Plans for immediate and post-harvest control as well as management of the pest ahead of next season were discussed. Growers were unanimous in their view that eradication of the pest is most likely not possible, and all were in support of no emergency response. An industry working group will develop options, in consultation with local growers. Biosecurity Queensland, part of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation is the lead state agency on this issue.

Source: Cotton Australia