First detection of Russian wheat aphid Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Australia: a major threat to cereal production

Abstract

Invasive pest species pose a major threat to agricultural production around the world. Until recently, the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov, a major pest of wheat and barley crops worldwide, was considered a high‐priority exotic pest threat to the Australian grains industry. Here, we document the initial detection and establishment of D. noxia in Australia in 2016. These are the first records for this genus from South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. Morphological and molecular information is presented for confirmed diagnosis of the species based on voucher specimens. Known distribution data are provided, along with a list of Poaceae hosts on which D. noxia has been recorded, and a brief description of the typical damage symptoms caused by these aphids. The potential impact of this aphid on Australian cereal production is discussed, and we identify research areas required to underpin future management of this new threat to the Australian cereal industry.

Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Table of the Menochilus sexmaculatus (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) Feeding on Different Aphid Species

“…The life expectancy ( e xj ) is the length of time that an individual of age x and stage j is expected to live and it is calculated equation (7) according to as (19). …”

“…The D. noxia , attacks on cereal crops worldwide with high host range of more than 140 species of Poaceae plants (7). The D. noxia , inject toxin into plants while feeding which causes failure to unrolling and white streaking of plant leaves.…”

Tracking genetic invasions: genome-wide SNPs reveal the source of pyrethroid-resistantAedes aegypti(yellow fever mosquito) incursions at international ports

“…Our methodology could also be applied for post-border detections, where newly invasive species are detected and there is a need to determine their likely source. For instance, Diuraphis noxia (Russian wheat aphid) was first detected in Australia in 2016, and successful control of this species now depends, in part, on identifying past and present sources of incursions (Yazdani et al, 2018). Although a recent genome assembly of D. noxia suggests that this species has low genetic variability (Burger & Botha, 2017), genome-wide SNPs may yet provide sufficient power to determine broad patterns of gene flow.…”

Escalating insecticide resistance in Australian grain pests: contributing factors, industry trends and management opportunities

“…It is now difficult for farmers to commercially purchase rape seed that is not coated with an insecticide dressing. Seed dressings are also becoming more common on cereals, particularly in response to new threats such as the Russian wheat aphid ( Diuraphis noxia ), which was first detected in Australia in 2016 . Seed dressings can be effective at curbing pest feeding damage and virus transmission in vulnerable establishing crops.…”

“…Seed dressings are also becoming more common on cereals, particularly in response to new threats such as the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia), which was first detected in Australia in 2016. 34 Seed dressings can be effective at curbing pest feeding damage and virus transmission in vulnerable establishing crops. In contrast to foliar sprays, they reduce the risk of chemical exposure to farmers and spray operators, and many beneficial arthropods.…”