No thrips found

The latest report on the noxious bug melon thrips shows that no thrips were found in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA) in the month leading up to early December.

62 sites were sampled and crops included: rockmelon, pumpkin, watermelon, citrus, eggplant, okra, sorghum, tomatoes, papaya, cotton, sunflowers and ornamentals.

The report stated that very few melon thrips hosts were presently being grown in the irrigation area.

The Department of Agriculture reminded growers that all host produce from the ORIA going to the markets in South Australia must have an inspection and certification to state that it is free of melon thrips.

Background information on the melon thrips program is available from the KPIA on 9168 1166 or the Department of Agriculture on 9166 4000.

The WA Quarantine Inspection Service is now taking over inspections and certification for melon thrips.

Growers should contact the checkpoint on 9168 7354 to coordinate quarantine requirements (crop/produce inspections) for melon thrips in the ORIA.