Joined October 2014
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58 Photos and videos
Ben Congdon retweeted
Green peach aphids carrying turnip yellows virus (TuYV) detected in Kwinana port zones; TuYV also found in Albany. Growers should monitor canola crops closely.
Learn more in the latest #PestFactsWA newsletter. @GRDCWest
🔗 dpird.wa.gov.au/siteassets/d…
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May 22
Will TuYV-resistant canola varieties provide an economic benefit in an epidemic? Inoculating 10 canola varieties with multiple TuYV strains to answer this. We need non-insecticide tools ASAP due to resistance in the green peach aphid @theGRDC @DPIRDbroadacre .
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May 18
Our GPA/TuYV monitoring continues in 2026, supported by @theGRDC - if you find GPA infesting canola during the early growth stages, get in touch and we will test for virus.
We're monitoring green peach aphid (GPA) & testing aphids for turnip yellows virus (TuYV) across the WA grainbelt. GPA found at Northam (TuYV‑negative) & Dalyup (testing underway). TuYV detected in another aphid species at Woogenellup #PestFactsWA
🔗dpird.wa.gov.au/siteassets/d…
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Ben Congdon retweeted
PestFacts SA team has received reports of green peach aphid activity across several regions. With early-sown canola, now’s the time to keep a close eye on crops and watch for Turnip yellows virus symptoms. Please monitor paddocks and share any observations with our team.
ALT Turnip yellows virus symptoms on canola
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Ben Congdon retweeted
Aphids are being reported as crops are sown in western Victoria. While aphids don’t automatically mean virus, higher numbers increase the risk of TuYV in canola, particularly early. As part of monitoring, we are testing samples to check for potential virus.
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Apr 28
Our new factsheet aims to help growers manage turnip yellows virus in canola. 👇grdc.com.au/resources-and-pu…
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Ben Congdon retweeted
Talk about finger on the pulse!
WA pulse growers can protect their 2026 crops with seed testing at no cost for high-risk viruses that can impact yield, seed quality, and profits 🌾
Check out how in the comments 👇
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Ben Congdon retweeted
3 Sep 2025
A great day out yesterday with our local grower group! Canola virology, wheat and barley varieties, oats cropping challenge, new hervidice option in cereals and Lupins, alternative knockdown strategies and fertility legumes! Thanks to everyone that contributed!
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4 Jul 2025
And you may even have your Farmers Lager or Sump Oil Stout poured by the Dandanning Brewer himself!
3 Jul 2025
I'd like to go on the record to say the Mukinbudin Hotel is WA's best pub. Great parmi, local beer made with local grains, chatty staff, fun vibe. 10/10 no notes.
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Ben Congdon retweeted
3 Jul 2025
I'd like to go on the record to say the Mukinbudin Hotel is WA's best pub. Great parmi, local beer made with local grains, chatty staff, fun vibe. 10/10 no notes.
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Ben Congdon retweeted
23 Jun 2025
🎧PODCAST: Aphids & viruses in broadleaf crops🎧
We talk to NSW DPIRD's aphid & virus experts, Joop van Leur, Zorica Duric & Solomon Maina on:
-Viruses: the basics & why they mutate & how they are transmitted.
-Aphids: which ones are an issue to us in winter cropping.
-Insecticide resistance.
-Management options.
LINK⬇️
on.soundcloud.com/Wg9DC2p9Us…
@theGRDC @GRDCNorth @GRDCSouth @GRDCWest @ZoricaDuric @vanleurj @pennyheuston
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Ben Congdon retweeted
Green peach aphid and virus update 26 June
Low level GPA infestations at Amelup, Cranbrook, Kendenup. No Turnip yellows virus detected in aphids or crops.
GPA also found near Tenterden, Albany, York, Northam, Cunderdin, Meckering.
#PestFactsWA @GRDCWest
dpird.wa.gov.au/siteassets/d…
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Ben Congdon retweeted
Canola aphid & virus update at 29 May: Green peach aphid (GPA) found in canola near York - no Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) detected. GPA also trapped near Amelup (not in crop), also TuYV-negative. TuYV detected in trapped non-GPA aphids at South Stirlings.
dpird.wa.gov.au/siteassets/d…
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28 May 2025
First detection of Green peach aphid in 3 leaf canola crop near York. <10% plants infested. Continuing to monitor with suction, sticky and pan traps. #virusproject @DPIRDbroadacre @GRDCWest @theGRDC
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Ben Congdon retweeted
We're monitoring green peach aphids (GPA) & testing for turnip yellows virus (TuYV) in canola from April to Aug 2025. After the #PestFactsWA article was published, GPA was found at Amelup & TuYV was detected in non-GPA aphids at South Stirlings. @GRDCWest
dpird.wa.gov.au/siteassets/d…
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23 May 2025
Green peach aphid (GPA) detected on traps near Amelup and turnip yellows virus (TuYV) detected in non-GPA aphids caught at South Stirlings. Found nothing in crops yet but won't be long @DPIRDbroadacre @GRDCWest Latest TuYV management research - shorturl.at/GgR1N
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Ben Congdon retweeted
22 May 2025
🪲Aphids have been active in canola this autumn. Despite the wet season in NNSW, warm conditions are driving aphid spread, and rain won't suppress their numbers. Monitor paddocks closely and act early! Don’t wait for purple leaves or signs of TuYV.
@NSW_AGRONOMY @GRDCNorth
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Ben Congdon retweeted
Growers, keep an eye out for green peach aphid (GPA) in canola this season!
Even if seed is treated with insecticide, regular monitoring is required, especially if foliar sprays are needed to manage GPA & turnip yellows virus.
agric.wa.gov.au/newsletters/…
#PestFactsWA @GRDCWest
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8 Apr 2025
Seed treatments cannot be solely relied upon to control green peach aphid and turnip yellows virus. Foliar insecticide may be required. Regular monitoring of plants, esp. from emergence until the 5-leaf stage, is crucial to effective foliar spray.
@DPIRDbroadacre
@theGRDC
Growers, keep an eye out for green peach aphid (GPA) in canola this season!
Even if seed is treated with insecticide, regular monitoring is required, especially if foliar sprays are needed to manage GPA & turnip yellows virus.
agric.wa.gov.au/newsletters/…
#PestFactsWA @GRDCWest
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Ben Congdon retweeted
17 Feb 2025
Macquarie University, hosted a Virus Management Meeting, bringing together Australia’s top plant virologists working on grain viruses and their vectors. The event facilitated discussions on the latest research, emerging threats, and innovative management strategies.
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