KHAPRA BEETLE: WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND HOW TO REPORT

Growers, storage operators and transporters now have access to an updated khapra beetle fact sheet to assist with identifying, understanding and reporting the high priority pest.

Launched by Plant Health Australia as a part of the Grains Farm Biosecurity Plan, the fact sheet includes images of the beetle in various life stages, indications of presence and damage in stored grain and information about how it spreads.

The Khapra beetle larvae detection in mid-2025 is a timely reminder that a widespread incursion could cost the Australian grains $15.5 billion. Logically, this impacts grain producers, industry and national economy.

The Grains Farm Biosecurity Program (GFBP) is an initiative to improve the management of, and preparedness for, biosecurity risks in the grains industry at the farm and industry levels.

Launched in 2007, the program is managed by Plant Health Australia (PHA) and funded by growers through Grain Producers Australia (GPA) together with the New South Wales, Queensland, South Australian, Victorian and Western Australian governments.