NSW: NSW Farmers issue locust plague warning

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2000
NSW: NSW Farmers issue locust plague warning

The New South Wales Farmers' Association today urged growers to be on the alert for locusts.

The warning follows reports by the Plague Locust Commission of a serious threat of
swarms migrating into agricultural areas of NSW, South Australia and Victoria.

KEITH PERRETT, chairman of the NSW Farmers' Association Grains Committee, says vigilance
is needed if damage is going to be minimised.

He says eggs laid in March and April will hatch in spring, and the sooner any sightings
are reported, the sooner the Plague Locust Commission will be able to take action.

Mr PERRETT says band control measures have already been put in place in western NSW,
the Riverina and the South West Plains.

Growers are urged to report all locust sightings to the commission by calling the toll
free number - 1800 635 962.

AAP RTV jo/msk

KEYWORD: LOCUST (SYDNEY)

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