Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed an outbreak of an exotic species of mealybug on cotton properties in Emerald.
The pest was first sent off for sampling by a cotton industry entomologist on 13 January, and has been confirmed as a species different to the mealybugs previously experienced in cotton in Australia.
According to Cotton Australia at least 30 farms around Emerald in Central Queensland have detected mealybugs this season, with the DPI&F saying at least five are heavily infested.
Mealybugs are small, sucking insects found on many species of plants and, depending on the species, can dramatically reduce the yield of affected crops.
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) principal entomologist Dave Murray said mealybugs were usually considered only a minor pest of cotton.
"However, the exotic species now confirmed in Emerald has been known to cause major crop losses in other countries," Mr Murray said.
"Symptoms can include crinkled and twisted leaves, fewer flowers, reduced and smaller bolls, and distorted and stunted plants.
"In cotton crops, the pest usually breeds on weeds before moving to the crop."
Mr Murray said there had also been reports of mealybug outbreaks in cotton crops in the Burdekin district.
"At this stage, it is not known if the mealybug in Emerald is the same species of mealybug found in the Burdekin," he said. "Investigations are underway to confirm the species."
Cotton Australia says damage to cotton crops in the Emerald district has occurred in patches and has varied from little effect on some farms to badly affected hot spots.
But, it acknowledges, the full extent of damage is not yet known.
Cotton Australia says investigations are trying to determine how the mealybug was introduced.
Mealybugs can be spread through movement of infested plants, and can be transported by wind and rain, and on clothing, footwear and vehicles
The outbreak has angered LNP primary industries spokesman Ray Hopper, who said it was a consequence of resource cuts to the department.
"This is potentially devastating for our cotton industry," Mr Hopper said.
"The fact nothing’s been done since the bugs were found in December is an absolute disgrace and underlines what I’ve been saying about the failure of the Bligh Government and Minister [Tim] Mulherin to take agriculture seriously.
"Instead of sneaking around and axing frontline extension and research officers in the lead up to Christmas, why wasn’t Mr Mulherin acting to control this exotic pest.
"Why wasn’t a lock-down with control lines put in place …where was the management plan and why has it taken the Minister until today to even publicly acknowledge that this exotic and serious pest is out of the bag."
However, Mr Mulherin defended the staff of Biosecurity Queensland and Agri-science Queensland, arguing Mr Hopper's attack was "ridiculous".
"He is insulting hard-working staff and shows he's not fit to be a shadow spokesperson," Mr Mulherin said.
"The real story is that it is thanks to our alert-minded staff that this pest has been identified as exotic.
"There are many species of mealybug in Queensland and it is extremely difficult to tell the different species apart. There are few experts in the world who can make this identification.
"At first it was thought that this was a species already found in Queensland.
"But our staff were suspicious because of the damage being caused. They took samples which were identified by a Queensland Government entomologist as the Solenopsis mealybug.
"Since mealybug was first detected in December our officers have been giving advice to growers on management strategies."
The Cotton CRC has employed a dedicated entomologist for the next eight weeks to help manage the issue on the ground.
A survey is being developed to establish the actual distribution of the pest, with the industry funding a satellite photo in order to map affected areas.
A protocol to minimise the risk of spreading the pest between farms in the Emerald area and from Emerald to other areas is also being developed.
* If anyone sees suspect mealybugs on their property they should contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
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