Russian wheat aphid
Taking and submitting samples for identification
Russian wheat aphid (RWA) was initially found on cereal
properties in South Australia approximately 200km west of
the Victorian border. Currently we do not know how far the
aphid has spread but there have already been detections
in western Victoria. Russian wheat aphid attacks ALL
cereal grain crops including oats, barley and rice. The host
range of RWA includes a number of grass species, and so
it may also be present in pasture and roadside grass
verges.
How to look for it
Russian wheat aphid produces a chemical toxic to grasses
including cereals.
Damage symptoms: The aphids cause longitudinal leaf
rolling and white longitudinal streaks on the leaves and
sometimes the stem. Heavily infested plants are stunted,
and sometimes exhibit a flattened appearance with tillers
lying almost parallel to the ground. Occasionally,
particularly during cold weather, plants show a purple
colour.

Take samples of at least ten young plants taken over
a wide, representative area of the crop.

Sampled plants should be wrapped in damp paper
towelling, then placed in a plastic bag and sealed.

Clearly label the bag with property address, GPS
location, (preferably at a point 30m within the
paddock), farm owner contact details, crop type and
variety.

CropSafe agronomists should provide a full
description of their contact details, location and
sample details in the CropSafe sample submission
form.
Ensure that there are no aphids, plant debris or soil on the
outside of the sample bag.
two protuberances
RWA prefers young, newly emerged plants to older plants
which have already set seed.
Where to send the sample
Samples should be placed in a cooler with ice bricks and
sent to the CropSafe diagnostic laboratory, DEDJTR,
Grains Innovation Park, 110 Natimuk Road Horsham.
Contact: Luise Sigel (03) 5362 2111 or email
[email protected]
How to sample, package and transport
aphid infested plants
Plants showing these symptoms should be closely
examined for the presence of aphids.

Only sample plants with aphids present.
Do not send samples on a Friday as they may be held up in
transit over the weekend.
Russian wheat aphid
Main points for agronomists:

Don’t spread Russian wheat aphid: Practice
biosecurity hygiene when entering and leaving every
crop.

If aphids are present on emerging and young cereal
plants, take a representative sample and submit to
CropSafe lab at Horsham.

Avoid taking your vehicle into crops, use the
landowner’s vehicles instead.
Photo: Typical symptoms of Russian wheat aphid affected cereal
Hygiene
It is important if you are moving from farm to farm or
between different paddocks that you don’t inadvertently
spread the aphid.

Don’t allow vehicles to enter crops. If transport within
crops is required, use farmers vehicles.

Any vehicles exiting crops will require a high pressure
wash down to remove soil and plant material before
moving elsewhere.

The wash down site should be in a designated site
away from the crop but with adequate drainage to
manage runoff. The vehicle should then be rinsed
with one per cent chlorine bleach or farm degreaser.

Disposable coveralls should be worn while in crops
and changed when moving between crops. Used
coveralls should be bagged and sealed.

Footwear should be scrubbed free of soil and plant
material and then disinfected by dipping them in one
per cent bleach solution for at least 30 seconds. If
leather or cloth shoes are treated with bleach, rinse
off chlorine solution in clean water. Alternatively,
spray or dip footwear in 80 per cent ethanol or
methylated spirits.
© The State of Victoria Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport
and Resources 2015. Updated 27 June 2016.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia
licence. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that
you credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any
images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the
Victorian Government logo and the Department of Economic Development,
Jobs, Transport & Resources logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit
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www.agriculture.vic.gov.au
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