Alert over harvest biosecurity

Graingrowers should be on alert for signs of new pests and disease during harvest, says the Department of Agriculture and Food.

DAFWA grains biosecurity officer Jeff Russell said harvest provided a unique opportunity for growers and contractors to closely survey their paddocks.

"It is a perfect time to look out for anything that is unusual and causing damage to the crop," Mr Russell said. "This might include early crop senescence, rust on varieties not expected to be susceptible or unusual frost-like effects in crops that were not frosted, grain heads being decapitated or a fishy odour coming from harvest wheat samples and bunt affected grain."

Mr Russell, whose position is funded by Plant Health Australia, encouraged growers to get out of their cabs and have a closer look at anything that caught their eye.

"When checking a crop, it is important to get down and look right into the bottom of the canopy where most diseases begin," he said. "If you're just looking at the visible leaves at the top it is likely you won't notice the infection until it's well established."

Mr Russell said Australia was fortunately free from many of the world's grain pests and diseases, which facilitated market access and export opportunities.

"There are about 300 exotic grain pests and diseases estimated to exist right on Australia's doorstep in countries we trade with and visit," he said. "That's why it is vital that we stay vigilant and take the opportunity to closely inspect our crops at harvest."

A range of tools are available from the department to assist growers to identify any suspect insect, weed or disease threats, which are available on the department's website agric.wa.gov.au or from local offices.

Anything suspect should be reported immediately to the department's Pest and Disease Information Service on 1800 084 881.