When the Russian Wheat Aphid was first noticed in Australia back in May, cereal growers feared it may cause total crop devastation. The pest quickly made its way from South Australia, into Victoria and through parts of Southern New South Wales. Five months down the track and things are not looking as grim. While heavy rain across Southern Australia is causing problems with crop management, it may be helping farmers deal with the pest. I caught up with South Australian Government principal entomologist Greg Baker.
