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Pests, 09 Dec 2024
Chaff or no chaff, insect risk remains the same
Chaff lines generated by harvest weed seed control programs do not increase the risk of crop damage from invertebrate pests
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Pests, 06 Dec 2024
Five-year investment delivers enhanced biosecurity capability
A comprehensive step-by-step guide to sustainable pest management throughout the crop growing season is now available for download at the GRDC website. This Integrated Pest Management (IPM) checklist serves as a vital resource for farmers and agricultural professionals, emphasising that effective pest management is a year-round commitment requiring key actions at all stages of production.
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Pests, 06 Nov 2024
New plan to boost grains biosecurity
A national biosecurity plan has been launched at the Australian Grains Industry Conference in Melbourne in July. It has a range of targeted activities and investments to safeguard the $32 billion grains industry and protect growers’ businesses from exotic pest threats. The plan’s development was led by Plant Health Australia (PHA), the coordinator of the Australian plant biosecurity system, with support from Grain Producers Australia (GPA), GRDC and Grain Growers Ltd.
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Pests, 29 Oct 2024
A clean approach to pest management
Non-chemical methods for protecting stored grain include good hygiene to prevent and control insects. GRDC Grain Storage Extension national coordinator Chris Warrick says research by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ post-harvest research team shows the most effective time to undertake a whole-of-site clean-up is in the winter months, when insect breeding and migration are lowest. He also recommends a structural treatment post-clean-up in silos and equipment using a product such as diatomaceous earth (DE) – a fossilised algae dust that dehydrates and kills insects without residue issues.
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Pests, 25 Sep 2024
New pathways for nematode control explored
Research into root lesion nematode is investigating new options for control while identifying the prevalence of different species in Western Australia. Murdoch University PhD researcher Dr Rhys Copeland has identified that chemicals common to both tolerant and susceptible cereals had differing effects on nematodes, depending on their concentration.
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Pests, 22 Aug 2024
Long-term monitoring ‘vital’ for slug management
Dr Michael Nash shares some lessons on slug management for the season
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Pests, 14 Aug 2024
Trials give insight into nematode options
West Prairie grain producers Roger and Lisa Gwynne have hosted trials and field days for more than 40 years. Roger says his father Alex worked closely on nematode research over many years with Queensland Department of Primary Industries officer Nev Douglas and with Professor John Thompson. Roger says he has learned a lot from hosting the trials, including the importance of rotating out of wheat and choosing less- susceptible varieties.
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Pests, 12 Aug 2024
Science pins elusive Dongara weevil
The Dongara weevil has been recently scientifically described and confirmed as a new species through morphological and molecular analysis. It poses a significant threat to canola crops causing substantial economic losses. Its elusive nature makes it difficult to manage, but GRDC supported research is learning more about its habits and distribution to inform management strategies.
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Pests, 05 Aug 2024
Testing for nematodes just as important as nutrients
While many growers diligently carry out soil tests to measure nutrient levels, the opportunity to test for nematodes and other pathogens, such as crown rot, is often overlooked. This complacency poses a major threat to crop productivity.
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Pests, 21 Jun 2024
Fall armyworm stays around to wreak more damage
This summer season has been one of the most destructive and distressing for maize and sorghum growers since fall armyworm was found in Australia in 2020, as the pest persists post-flowering.