2011 IPM forum highlights

      Comments Off on 2011 IPM forum highlights

More than 50 researchers, extension staff and industry representatives attended this year’s IPM forum in Toowoomba. The IPM forum is an annual event and brings together researchers and industry to discuss the latest research and developments in pest management for the Northern region. Topics presented at the forum consist of a mix of current research and industry-ready research outcomes. Below… Read more »

IPM Forums for growers and advisers – Thursday July 28th, 2011

      Comments Off on IPM Forums for growers and advisers – Thursday July 28th, 2011

These Forums, for growers and advisers, will provide an opportunity to hear about recent research into the management of  insect pests  in grains and cotton. Researchers will be able to discuss with you strategies and options for the upcoming season, what to look out for, and how to minimise your risk of losses caused by key insect pests.

Mites invade mungbeans

      Comments Off on Mites invade mungbeans

Two spotted mites (TSM) or red spider mites have been reported in damaging numbers in many mungbean crops on the Darling Downs and in Northern NSW.  Crops at particular risk are those adjacent to maturing cotton (or any other mite hosts) from which mites are dispersing in large numbers.  As TSM are very small (0.5 mm) the first evidence of their… Read more »

Getting Pale Cotton Stainer identification right

      Comments Off on Getting Pale Cotton Stainer identification right

Over the past few weeks there have been reports of cotton stainers in cotton crops in Central Queensland and on the Darling Downs. This week we received photographs of ‘stainers’ from CQ which raised the importance of correct identification.

Slugs in Seedling Crops

      1 Comment on Slugs in Seedling Crops

The wet spring, early summer conditions have favoured the return of a pest not seen for many years – slugs!  Damaging slug populations, reported in seedling crops in northern NSW and southern Queensland, have totally destroyed some pulse crops.  Increased slug activity may also be due to the increase in zero/minimum till and stubble retention practices which favour slug and… Read more »

Early Season Helicoverpa issues and the use of NPV to control larvae

      Comments Off on Early Season Helicoverpa issues and the use of NPV to control larvae

Helicoverpa populations have started with a bang this season.  One or more larvae per plant are common in pre-flowering sorghum, corn and cotton. However, early flowering sorghum crops are carrying up to 10 larvae per head.  Corn and sorghum (monocot crops) host only Helicoverpa armigera, not H. punctigera – which has implications for control.  Some key issues relevant to dealing… Read more »

Helicoverpa larvae surviving in failed chickpea crops may be a threat to the following crop

      Comments Off on Helicoverpa larvae surviving in failed chickpea crops may be a threat to the following crop

With some chickpea crops being sprayed out, rather than harvested, there are reports of helicoverpa larvae surviving on crop residues. The survival of larvae, particularly large late instar larvae, poses a threat to subsequent crops that may be sown directly into the chickpea residues. It is important to check for surviving larvae under the chickpea residues before the next crop… Read more »

ENDOSULFAN registration cancelled

      Comments Off on ENDOSULFAN registration cancelled

On the 12th of October, 2010, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) announced the immediate cancellation of all product registrations and label approvals for all insecticides containing endosulfan.

Black Soil Scarab Damage to Winter Cereals

      4 Comments on Black Soil Scarab Damage to Winter Cereals

This winter we’ve seen several instances of severe scarab damage to winter cereals (wheat, barley and oats) , including on crops at Jandowae and Felton on the Darling Downs. The photograph below shows that severe damage is mostly confined to areas of paddocks which were previously pasture – and this is where the highest scarab populations were found.