Locust swarms threaten Queensland

30 Oct 2009, 7:10 pm   -   Source: AAP
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A locust swarm covering an area of one square kilometre couldeat up to 10 tonnes of vegetation every 24 hours (AAP).

A locust swarm covering an area of one square kilometre couldeat up to 10 tonnes of vegetation every 24 hours (AAP).

Queensland is facing a threat of colossal proportions as Australian plague locusts mass on the border with NSW.

Australian plague locusts massing on the border with New South Wales pose a massive threat to Queensland crops. 

Biosecurity Queensland has warned that the locust swarms, which can travel up to 600km in a night, could cause damage worth millions of dollars.

In 2004/05, locusts were responsible for national agricultural losses estimated to be worth more than $11 million.

Biosecurity officer Kevin Strong said the locust population in central western NSW was expected to soon form a number of highly mobile swarms.

"We need everyone to be on high alert for any sightings of locusts and report them immediately to Biosecurity Queensland by calling 13 25 23," Mr Strong said.

The ability of locusts to migrate over large distances in short periods of time meant virtually all of Queensland's agricultural areas were at some level of risk.

"Locusts can travel between 500 and 600 kilometres in a single night if the temperature, wind speed and wind direction are right," he said.

"Even in small numbers they are highly destructive.

"A single Australian plague locust can eat approximately one-third to half of its body weight per day throughout its lifespan.

"This means a locust swarm covering an area of one square kilometre will eat up to 10 tonnes of vegetation every 24 hours."

Mr Strong says if left untreated and with favourable weather conditions, locusts are capable of a seven to tenfold population increase with each generation.

Biosecurity officials are on stand-by with chemical spray.
 

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Your Comments

Locust plague looms as eggs hatch

jerry coleby-williams - from brisbane, 2 years ago

Years of irresponsible inaction by the federal Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) now leaves the organic farming industry totally vulnerable to the looming locust plagues. Why? Years ago the CSIRO developed Greenguard, a non-chemical, organic-approved biocontrol for locusts. Failure by APVMA bureaucrats to register this product means that organic farmers cannot use it to protect their crops. The APVMA head should be sacked! Jerry Queensland Conservation Council

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