Insecticide resistance challenges

Dr Paul Umina, Director at cesar, recently contributed to the 2011 edition of the Research on the Riverine Plains. His article discusses the significant challenges that growers are likely to face in the future due to insecticide resistance in redlegged earth mites and other crop pests. 

“Pest species within the grains industry pose a serious threat as farming practices change. To avoid costs associated with crop failure and increases in pesticide usage, potential pest species must be identified and their basic biology determined so effective control strategies can be devised. During the past decade, a large amount of research has been carried out on a number of important pests, such as blue oat mites and the redlegged earth mite. This has led to important breakthroughs in the way we now control these mites.

Underpinning an integrated pest management approach is correct identification and monitoring of both pest and beneficial insects. Misidentification of pests can cost growers money through ineffective control strategies and pesticide applications. Monitoring of pest and beneficial numbers is also critical for making informed control decisions.”

Further information:

Research for the Riverine Plains 2011, Page 69

call cesar 03 9349 4723, we can help with insect identification, monitoring and pest management advice.