The Beatsheet blog is a website about pest management issues (arthropods and diseases) relevant to Australia’s northern grain region (Queensland and New South Wales). The blog includes technical information, pest and disease risk alerts and research highlights, and the website provides supporting information, image galleries, practical management tools and options for a range of pests that have the potential to significantly reduce industry productivity and profits (for information on weed management, visit WeedSmart Australia).
A moderated comments area allows readers to communicate and share pest management experiences. Comments not directly relevant to the article will not be posted.
The blog includes contributions from broadacre cropping Entomology and Pathology teams at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and other experts, including NSW DPIRD staff, and much of the research behind the information provided is supported by funding from the grains and cotton industries. Subscribers receive email notification of new news postings and pest alerts.
The Beatsheet contributes to a national network of insect pest information and services, including the Seasonal status of pests and diseases delivered to growers (DAQ2407-001RTX) project, which aims to provide grain growers and advisors with information on pest occurrence and equip industry with the knowledge needed to implement integrated pest management practices.
The Beatsheet is supported by a co-investment between DPI and GRDC. Some of the research reported has also been supported by other funding organisations (see individual articles for acknowledgements).