A new invasive pest which poses a threat to the Territory's mango industry has been detected in the Top End.
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The exotic moth species known as mango shoot looper (MSL) has officially been identified after it was spotted in an orchard in the Darwin rural area in March and was confirmed after DNA sequencing in early April.
According to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, MSL is an invasive pest from Asia which "is a threat to the commercial mango industry, as well as backyard growers and hobbyists."
"Territory grown mangoes are still safe to eat," the Department said in a statement.
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Growers, nurseries and travellers are urged to be on the lookout for signs of this exotic pest to help limit its spread with the help of the following information:
- The adult moths can fly in localised areas from tree to tree and are attracted to lights on caravans and vehicles. Their spread may be enhanced by strong winds. Female moths are pinkish in colour and the males are very pale brown or pinkish fawn. Males and females have three rows of brown patterns on the wings, the last two having dark brown spots interspersed along the length. Their wingspan is about 20mm across.
- The caterpillars or larvae can vary in colour from yellow, brown to black with a mottled "tiger" patterned appearance. They move onto the leaves to feed and can grow up to 22mm in length. Larvae move in a "looping" fashion and can move to undamaged areas in trees by suspending themselves on silken threads and dropping between branches.
- The pupae are up to 9mm and have a distinctive elongated triangular appearance, starting off green before turning brown as they mature. They are likely to be found in old spider webs as well as on the leaves.
MSL may also be spread by human-assisted movement of infested plant material.
Anyone who suspects they may have found an infestation must report it to 1800 084 881.
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