AgPest » AgPest » Category » Pests

Look for porina flights.

AgPest — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 20:00:54 +0000

Look for and note porina flights as these can indicate when to adopt control measures later if required.

Clover root weevil very obvious.

AgPest — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 19:30:37 +0000

Clover root weevil will be very obvious in most areas. While control is generally not an option careful management of clover will help maintain pasture quality. Additional nitrogen may need to be applied to pastures and clover should not be over grazed.

Cost Benefit Analysis tool for Regional Pest Management updated

AgPest — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 19:45:17 +0000

The Cost Benefit Analysis tool for Regional Pest Management has been revised and you may notice some changes when using the tool. If you have any questions, please consult the User Guide, which can be downloaded from the top right-hand corner of the tool.

You can find the Cost Benefit Analysis tool here: http://www.agresearch.co.nz/cba/

Watch for pests in brassica crops.

AgPest — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 21:21:07 +0000

Keep an eye on aphids, diamondback moth caterpillars and white butterfly caterpillars in brassica crops. With warm summer temperatures these can increase quickly. Treating these pests before high numbers occur will provide greatest economic return.

Watch for porina flights

AgPest — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 21:00:25 +0000

Look for and note porina flights as these can indicate when to adopt control measures later if required. The most cost effective time for control is 8-12 weeks after the main flights which may occur in November, mid-January and/or late-February/early March (especially central North Island).

Argentine stem weevil numbers building

AgPest — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 20:00:59 +0000

Argentine stem weevil is building up in the North Island and will need to be considered in pasture and crop establishment. Insecticide coated seed may be a viable control option and insecticide application can provide temporary relief from this pest and allow seedlings to establish. Argentine stem weevil is a significant threat to seedling grasses, even those infected with endophyte, cereals and maize crops. See DairyNZ Pasture Renewal Guide for a guide to endophyte selection.

Clover root weevil feeding becoming obvious

AgPest — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 19:38:19 +0000

Clover root weevil feeding will become obvious in November-January – U-shaped notches at the edge of clover leaves show adults are present. The presence of larvae may be indicated by the pasture appearing nitrogen deficient. While control is generally not an option careful management of clover will help maintain pasture quality. Additional nitrogen may need to be applied to pastures and clover should not be over-grazed. In the South Island this weevil will be appearing in some areas for the first time.

Look for brassica springtails

AgPest — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 19:30:51 +0000

Look for brassica springtails before sowing brassica crops. Place a white card or cloth on the soil surface and gently disturb the soil around it. This will cause the springtails to jump and land on it making them easier to see.

Consider direct drilling to control pests

AgPest — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 19:45:59 +0000

For pastures badly affected by either grass grub or porina over winter and needing renewal, consider direct drilling. This will preserve naturally occurring diseases of these pests that are building up in the soil and which will provide long term population regulation. Leave sowing as late as possible as both pests, especially in the south, may still be feeding and could devastate establishing seedlings. Be aware that slugs and clover root weevil may also be present in damaging numbers.

Watch for porina flights

AgPest — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 19:30:44 +0000

At the end of the month look for porina flights – indicated by large numbers being attracted to lights at night, as these can indicate when to adopt control measures at a later date if required.