Megoura crassicauda is an aphid that affects Vicia species - vetches, faba beans broad beans. 

Growers are asked to inspect vetch and faba bean crops for possible infestations. If an unusual aphid species is found, please report this to the appropriate biosecurity agency.

The known areas affected by the aphid are near Tamworth, Breeza (Liverpool Plains) and Sydney. All sites have noted small infestations in area but with large numbers of aphids.

Further surveillance is being undertaken by New South Wales Department of Primary Industries in the growing areas of northern New South Wales.

Megoura crassicauda may be to toxic to natural aphid predators such as ladybirds. The effect of other natural predators is unknown.

There are no current registered insecticides for this pest. Dimethoate is registered to control aphids in faba beans. Paraffinic oil is registered for use on faba beans and vetches to provide suppression of green peach aphid. Permits are being applied for the use of pirimicarb, dimethoate,chlorpyrifos and lambda cyhalothrin in faba beans and vetch.

The aphid is likely to cause yield loss where there are high populations. Megoura crassicauda is reported to have a narrow host range consisting mainly of Vicia species. In Australia, it has the potential to become a problem for faba bean and (very likely) vetches. Observations in New South Wales have shown a very large reproductive capacity.

For more details: Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881