Thursday 14 October 2010

MEDIA RELEASE

Forecasting for a plague

The Bureau of Meteorology is working with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to provide landholders with appropriate forecast advice to help manage this spring's locust threat.

Victoria is facing the worst locust plague in 75 years and it's estimated that if left untreated the locust threat could cost Victoria's agricultural sector $2 billion.

The Bureau has provided training to DPI staff in the use of the Bureau's on-line Forecast Explorer (www.bom.gov.au/forecasts/graphical/public/vic/) and subsequently developed a joint fact sheet to advise landholders on how to use the Forecast Explorer service, which is available on the DPI website.

DPI's Chemical Standards Field Services Manager, Alan Roberts said it's important that landholders are informed of weather conditions to help them work out the safest and most effective time to apply chemicals to treat locusts.

"Landholders also need to follow all safety guidelines and direction on the labels of chemicals when spraying," Mr Roberts said.

"The Forecast Explorer service provides interactive weather maps that will allow farmers and landholders to access temperature and wind forecasts, at a local level, up to seven days ahead so they can plan for spraying in safe conditions," Mr Roberts said.

Bureau climatologist, Belinda Campbell, said the Victorian office was also giving the DPI a detailed weather summary for the week ahead so they can advise stakeholders on the days likely to be the most suitable for spraying.

"The winds are particularly important, with calmer days more suitable, but knowing likely temperatures and timing of rainfall are also vital to determining the most suitable times for spraying," Ms Campbell said.

The Bureau and DPI have also discussed the Seasonal Climate Outlook to better understand the potential impact of the developing La Nina climate conditions on locust development.

The results of the work completed thus far by the multi-disciplinary team, which includes meteorologists and biologists, were presented at the Australia - New Zealand Climate Forum in Hobart yesterday (Wednesday 13 October, 2010).

Bureau and DPI staff will conduct further research into climate and weather conditions and their impact on locusts after the current locust season ceases.

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