MenuReduce adult black beetle numbers
Region: Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato
Sow treated seed in black beetle prone areas to reduce adult numbers
Watch for clover flea damage to clover
Region: Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato
Watch for clover flea damage to clover – this appears initially as small holes in leaves, more severe damage results in only leaf veins and the lower leaf surface remaining, making the crop appear silver. Treat early if required to maximise effectiveness.
Spring pasture renewal or renovation?
Region: Taranaki, Manawatu, Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson Tasman, Marlborough, Canterbury, West Coast, Otago, Southland
For spring sowing or renovating pastures badly affected by grass grub or porina over winter, 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 may still be feeding and could devastate establishing seedlings. Be aware that slugs and clover root weevil may also be present in damaging numbers.
Look for porina flights
Region: Taranaki, Manawatu, Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson Tasman, Marlborough, Canterbury, West Coast, Otago, Southland
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.
Look for brassica springtails
Region: Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu, Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson Tasman, Marlborough, Canterbury, West Coast, Otago, Southland
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.
Social tagging: AgPest > Black beetle > brassica > Clover flea > Clover root weevil > crops > Damage > Direct Drilling > Grass grub > Pasture > Pasture Damage > Pest Alert > Porina