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140 results found
  • Long-term monitoring ‘vital’ for slug management
    Pests, 22 Aug 2024
    Long-term monitoring ‘vital’ for slug management

    Dr Michael Nash shares some lessons on slug management for the season

  • Trials give insight into nematode options
    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.

  • Science pins elusive Dongara weevil
    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.

  • Testing for nematodes just as important as nutrients
    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.

  • Fall armyworm stays around to wreak more damage
    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.

  • High mouse activity reported in several regions vigilance advised
    Pests, 24 Apr 2024
    High mouse activity reported in several regions vigilance advised

    The Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) and CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, are urging growers and advisers to be vigilant due to reports of moderate to high mouse activity in several regions across Australia.Although mouse numbers are generally low in most areas, the areas with moderate to high mouse activity include parts of the north Adelaide Plains, Victorian Mallee and Wimmera, pockets of Queensland's Darling Downs, and the Central Eastern Wheatbelt of Western Australia.CSIRO mouse researcher Steve Henry said now is the time for growers and advisers to actively monitor mouse activity.

  • Managing canola pests using beneficial insects, spiders and mites
    Pests, 27 Mar 2024
    Managing canola pests using beneficial insects, spiders and mites

    The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is spearheading two innovative research projects, led by CSIRO and Cesar Australia, with a combined investment exceeding $12 million to enhance pest management in canola through the utilization of beneficial insects. These projects aim to mitigate the annual losses estimated at $54 million from invertebrate pests in canola by fostering a deeper understanding of the role of beneficials such as ladybeetles, lacewings, spiders, and parasitic wasps. With canola being vulnerable to a wide array of invertebrate pests, the initiative underscores the importance of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that prioritize cultural practices and biological control while minimizing chemical interventions. The primary project, Canola Allies, led by CSIRO along with NSW DPI, SARDI, DPIRD, and Murdoch University, focuses on leveraging beneficial insects to suppress pest populations and curb the frequency of pest outbreaks. This five-year, $9.7 million investment aims to address the challenges of market access, chemical regulation, and the escalating risk of insecticide resistance, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and productive canola farming practices across Australia.

  • Growers urged to report mouse numbers
    Pests, 14 Mar 2024
    Growers urged to report mouse numbers

    Australian grain growers are being urged to participate in a national campaign focused on early detection and control of mouse populations, as concerns rise ahead of the winter cropping season. This initiative, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) through the National Mouse Group (NMG), aims to coordinate efforts to mitigate the impact of potential mouse plagues. NMG, consisting of specialist researchers, grain growers, advisers, and industry stakeholders, plays a crucial role in addressing mouse-related challenges in the grains sector. Steve Henry, a GRDC-supported mouse researcher with CSIRO, is advocating for growers to use the free MouseAlert website, the FeralScan Pest Mapping app, or X (formerly Twitter) to report mouse activity. This collective monitoring effort is essential for providing organizations like CSIRO with valuable data to enhance mouse management strategies and support research that benefits growers across Australia.

  • GRDC webinar: Fall armyworm management tips and tactics
    Pests, 20 Feb 2024
    GRDC webinar: Fall armyworm management tips and tactics

    The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is hosting a timely webinar this Friday, February 23, to address the surge in fall armyworm (FAW) infestations affecting sorghum crops across the northern grain growing region. At 9 AM AEST (QLD) / 10 AM AEDT (NSW), the free event will feature Dr. Melina Miles from Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Dr. Joe Eyre from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, alongside Nutrien agronomist Ross Pomroy. They will share their expertise on managing FAW, with a focus on developing economic control thresholds, yield loss predictions, and effective management practices for sorghum and maize. The webinar aims to equip growers and agronomists with the latest research and practical advice on early decision-making, ecological-friendly strategies, and evolving management techniques to combat this invasive pest. Rebecca Raymond, GRDC's grower relations manager, highlights the webinar as an invaluable opportunity for growers to gain expert advice on navigating the complexities of FAW management, ensuring economic efficiency and crop sustainability.

  • Growers on alert for Fall armyworm
    Pests, 09 Feb 2024
    Growers on alert for Fall armyworm

    Fall armyworm are being detected at unprecedented levels in sorghum crops across Central Queensland, the Western and Darling Downs and northern New South Wales.

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