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Redlegged earth mite (Halotydeus destructor) populations build-up in spring, so it is important to be on the lookout for high numbers in crops and pastures. Control can be timed to occur during a short window of the season - during spring - when mites have ceased laying winter eggs (eggs that must hatch this season) and before they start laying diapause eggs (over-summering eggs that survive until next season). This approach can drastically reduce redlegged earth mite numbers the following autumn.
The optimum ‘spring-spray’ dates for redlegged earth mite control in eastern Australia are mostly between mid-September to mid-October. Exact dates are available through the Timerite® model (CSIRO), which is available free from the Timerite® website or by phoning the Australian Wool Innovation helpline on 1800 070 099.
The date for spring spraying is unique to each property and remains constant from year to year. It is recommended that spraying be carried out within the two-week period before the optimal date. Some examples of the recommended date are: Horsham (VIC) - 23rd Sept; Benalla (VIC) - 12th Oct; Wagga Wagga (NSW) - 29th Sept; and Dubbo (NSW) - 14th Oct.
Correct identification of mites before deciding to spray is important. TimeriteÒ is designed to only control redlegged earth mites; it will not effectively control other pests, such as blue oat mites. Before using this approach, consideration should also be given to the actual number of mites present and the susceptibility of the crop to be sown next season.
Click here for images of redlegged earth mites and refer to PestFacts Issue No. 2 for more information.
What is PestFacts?
PestFacts south-eastern keeps growers and advisers informed about invertebrate pests and beneficials in broadacre crops and pastures during the winter-cropping season in Victoria and southern New South Wales.
PestFacts south-eastern is run through IPMforGrains: Best Practice Insect Pest Management, a project delivered by the National Pest Information Network (cesar, DPIRD, QDAF, NSW DPI, and SARDI). This project aims to provide grain growers and advisors with information on invertebrate grain pest occurrence and equip industry with the knowledge needed to implement integrated pest management practices. This initiative is a GRDC investment and includes in-kind contributions from all project partner organisations.
We need your reports
PestFacts is produced on an ʻas-needsʼ basis and relies upon pest observations and field reports from our subscribers. If you have recently observed invertebrate pests (or beneficial species) in broadacre crops, please contact us to report your observations.
Agricultural invertebrate identification
If you are a grower or agronomist in Victoria or NSW working with broadacre crops or pastures, we can assist you with identifying invertebrates found on farms at no cost. Please contact us for identification help.
PestFacts map
PestFacts map is an interactive tool that allows users to search and view historical pest reports across Victoria and NSW. The map is updated with each issue of PestFacts to include new reports.
How to acknowledge PestFacts?
With appropriate acknowledgement, cesar grants permission to reproduce information taken directly from PestFacts. To cite PestFacts: “PestFacts south-eastern (<<enter date published>>). cesar pty ltd.”
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