Australia resumes locust control as rains end
© 2000 Reuters Limited
November 28, 2000
CANBERRA - Locust control measures had been reinstated in parts of Australia following the end to a lengthy rainy spell, the government said yesterday.
Spraying of pesticides that was halted because of recent wet weather had resumed as Australia faces potentially the largest locust plague in living memory, with insects hatched over a large section of the three eastern states and in Western Australia.In the states of New South Wales and South Australia 150,000 hectares had been sprayed since October, Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss said.
Recent rain in western New South Wales and southern Queensland was likely to prolong the outbreak, however, Truss said in a statement.
"Locusts have moved into far north west New South Wales, where they are beginning to swarm and develop eggs," Truss said.
The plague poses a threat to Australia's crops, including some of the 20 million tonne wheat crop forecast for the 2000/01 season. Barley, canola and wine grape vineyards are also at risk.