Integrated pest management (IPM) offers a multi-pronged solution by incorporating a variety of non-chemical control methods, mitigating the potential impacts of changes in pesticide availability while still effectively managing pest populations.

Prevention

Robust biosecurity measures can prevent the introduction and spread of new pests and diseases and reduce the need for additional chemical pesticides. This approach protects crops while safeguarding the environment and public health. Examples of on-farm biosecurity measures contributing to
IPM include:

• restricting the unnecessary movement of people and equipment onto the farm;
• cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and tools;
• quarantining new seed and inputs; and
• implementing effective pest monitoring and early detection programs.

Non-chemical controls

When infestations do occur, IPM focuses on using non-chemical methods whenever possible.

These may include:

• cultural controls – modifying practices to make the environment less hospitable for pests and more beneficial to growing crops, such as crop rotation;
• biological controls – introducing or maintaining beneficial insect populations; and
• physical controls – using barriers or trap crops to prevent pests from reaching crops.

Targeted pesticide use

Chemical pesticides are applied in a strategic and targeted manner to minimise pesticide use and its impact on non-target organisms.

Benefits

The benefits of IPM include:

• environmental – IPM reduces reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides;
• cost-effectiveness – IPM can be more cost-effective with fewer pesticide applications; and
• improved crop quality – IPM can help produce higher-quality grain with less pesticide residue.

Challenges

Implementing IPM requires a significant investment in time and resources. A solid understanding of pest biology and ecology is essential, as is the ability to monitor pest populations and make informed decisions about the best control options. When used across multiple farms under an area-wide management approach, IPM may require collaborating with other growers, agricultural advisers and pest control professionals.

The Grains Farm Biosecurity Program (GFBP) is an initiative to improve the management of, and preparedness for, biosecurity risks in the grains industry at the farm and industry levels.

The program is managed by Plant Health Australia and funded by growers through Grain Producers Australia in collaboration with the New South Wales, Queensland, South Australian, Victorian and Western Australian governments. Grains biosecurity officers offer free education, advice and pest identification materials.

Services offered by the GFBP include:

• advice and guidance – growers can access personalised advice to identify potential risks, develop tailored biosecurity plans and implement effective pest management strategies;
• educational resources – this includes workshops, training sessions and online resources;
• pest monitoring and surveillance – the program supports monitoring and surveillance activities to help identify and track emerging threats;
• access to diagnostic services – this can help identify pests, diseases and weeds affecting crops; and
• collaboration and networking opportunities – among growers, industry experts and government agencies to share knowledge and experiences.

More information: Grains Farm Biosecurity, grainsbiosecurity.com.au

Resources: Download GRDC's IPM checklist.