Native budworm moth trapping update

Over the last 2 weeks, the moth trapping network detected:

• moderate flights (140 to 260 individuals) at Bordertown, Jamestown, and Cummins.
• light activity (under 60 individuals) at Port Broughton, Kimba, Laura Bay, Mudamuckla, Penong, and Talia.

Check the latest native budworm moth activity through MothTrapVis (Cesar Australia).

MothTrapVis map showing native budworm trapping between 7 to 10 October.

Manage native budworm

Caterpillar numbers largely determine potential crop damage, and moth flights are only an indication of risk. We've had many reports of caterpillars, even in cereals in areas with high trapping numbers. Early observations are required as small caterpillars are easier to manage.

The native budworm spraying threshold provides a more precise measure of potential loss. For example, 1 caterpillar per 10 sweeps equates to 20,000 caterpillars per hectare in pulse crops (DPIRD).

Refer to DPIRD's native budworm spraying threshold factsheet for more on spraying economics.

Always apply insecticides according to label and APVMA permit instructions. Consider the impact on beneficial insects before making spray decisions.

Please let us know if you’ve seen high numbers of native budworm in your crops.