The Russian wheat aphid – or diuraphis noxia – is indigenous to southern Russia and central Asia.

It preys on wheat and barley, among other grain crops, and was thought to have arrived in Tasmania on a northerly airflow.

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Peter Skillern said it is unclear as to how the aphid came to arrive in Tasmania, and, indeed, Australia.

“What we do know is that Tasmania’s climate is allegedly not something this aphid will adapt to very well,” Mr Skillern said.

In addition to Tasmania’s cool climate, the state’s population of ladybirds, hoverflies and brown lacewings was expected to assist in eradicating the pest.

The Russian wheat aphid was first detected in South Australia in May 2016, where the warm climate may have facilitated its spread.

The aphid can cause rolled leaves, chlorotic spots and crop stunting in plants.

Mr Skillern said he was “cautiously optimistic” that the problem posed by the aphid would be sufficiently addressed, despite it still being “too early to say” how significant the pest’s impact would be.

Tasmanian Agricultural Producers managing director David Skipper said the aphid would “certainly” levy a yield penalty on grain farmers across the state.

“I think Tasmanian producers should be concerned about any pests that come into the state,” Mr Skipper said.

A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment spokesperson said the pest was unlikely to be eradicated in Australia because of its “rapid ability to move via wind currents”.

It was not expected to affect trade, the spokesperson said.

Suspected Russian wheat aphid specimens can be submitted to a DPIPWE entomologist.

To be directed to a DPIPWE entomologist, call 1300 368 550.

For more information on the Russian wheat aphid, visit the pests and diseases page on DPIPWE’s website.