Local reports from western Victoria, along with monitoring at research sites, indicate that green peach aphid (GPA) is present as canola crops are sown and emerge this season.
While the presence of GPA does not necessarily indicate virus, green peach aphid is a known vector of turnip yellows virus (TuYV) in canola. Monitoring during early crop establishment can help inform management decisions where GPA activity is present.
As part of current monitoring activities, samples submitted for testing will be assessed for turnip yellows virus (TuYV). Results will be used to update the map as they become available. This work is aimed at improving understanding of seasonal risk.
Growers and advisers are encouraged to monitor crops during establishment, note GPA activity during early growth stages, and submit samples for testing where appropriate.
Map 1. Location of canola samples in Victoria, with positive (highlighted in red) and negative (highlighted in green) test results shown by nearest town.
For sample testing enquiries, contact CropSafe [email protected] or (03) 5450 8301
Further information on turnip yellows virus (TuYV) in canola is available in the resources below.
Further information
Managing turnip yellows virus in canola (GRDC factsheet, 2026)
Green peach aphid – best management practice guide
Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) in irrigated canola, North Central Victoria, 2025
Acknowledgements
Information provide by agronomists and growers in Victoria is gratefully acknowledged.
Thank you to Joshua Fanning (Agriculture Victoria, Research Leader – Plant Pathology) and Mohammad Aftab (Agriculture Victoria, Research Scientist).
The author wishes to acknowledge the funding provided by Agriculture Victoria and the GRDC that allows this work to occur.
This article and the associated virus testing were supported by Agriculture Victoria and the GRDC through the projects “DEE2404-004RTX DEECA Seasonal status of pests and diseases delivered to growers” and “DAW2305-003RTX Effective Virus Management in Grain Crops”.
