Collaborating to address insecticide resistance in mites

Earth mite control failures have the potential to cost the Australian grains industry >$500 million per annum. From a grower's perspetive resistance can mean the cost of wasted chemicals and crop losses. At present, insecticide resistance in the redlegged earth mite (RLEM - Halotydeus destructor) is particularly concerning. Since 2006, resistance in RLEM has been confirmed at >15 properties in WA. It is anticipated that resistance will almost certainly spread to new properties within WA, and it is likely that resistance will eventually occur on the east coast of Australia.

To help address this issue a 2-day workshop was undertaken in June 2012 at The University of Melbourne's bio21 Institute. This workshop was headed by cesar director, Dr Paul Umina, and bought together Research and Development Corporations, universities, CSIRO, state agricultural departments and agro-chemical companies in Australia.

The workshop objectives were:

• To provide an update of the present status of insecticide resistance in mites and identify future risks.
• Develop a preliminary Resistance Management Strategy for RLEM and determine the best approach for communicating this to growers and advisers.
• Identify/prioritise research gaps and extension needs.

Outcomes of the workshop are outlined in the attached Insecticide Resistance in Mites Workshop report. This report includes recommendations regarding resistance management strategies, communication strategies, as well as research gaps and extension needs.

For more information please contact Dr Paul Umina on 03 9349 4723