sustainability through science & innovation
21 Aug 2015
cesar is now testing redlegged earth mites (RLEM) for insecticide resistance across southern Australia. Throughout 2015, this service will be free for Australian grain growers, thanks to funding from GRDC, and the collaboration and support of The University of Melbourne, the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA), CSIRO and the University of WA.
Resistance to synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) is already confirmed in a large number of populations of RLEM across the WA grainbelt, while some populations in WA also have resistance to organophosphates (OPs). As yet there are no confirmed cases of resistance in south-east Australia, however, growers must be vigilant because recent genetic studies demonstrate a genetic flow between the east and west regions of Australia.
One of the major challenges the Australian grains industry is facing is the reliance on only three registered chemical groups to control RLEM – neonicotinoids as a seed dressing, and SPs and OPs as foliar insecticides. Hence, growers are limited in their options to rotate different chemical classes, though it is imperative they do so.
The testing service is available across SA, NSW and Victoria. Any grower or adviser experiencing a chemical control failure involving RLEM, or suspecting issues with insecticide resistance, are encouraged to contact us to access this free service.
For comprehensive information about redlegged earth mites, including their occurrence, lifecycle, behaviour, damage symptoms and management strategies, go to redlegged earth mite within the new PestNote series.
For more information please contact:
Dr Paul Umina
Director, cesar
Ph: 03 9349 4723
Email: pumina@cesaraustralia.com
