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152 results found
  • Mindset shift makes ‘radical’ possible
    Pests, 03 Nov 2020
    Mindset shift makes ‘radical’ possible

    A profound mindset change and appreciation for the role of beneficial insects in an integrated pest management plan has led Western Districts grower Lachlan McDougall to reduce his reliance on pesticides.

  • Grass fungus a potential ally against pests
    Pests, 01 Nov 2020
    Grass fungus a potential ally against pests

    The potential of endophytic fungi to enhance invertebrate pest tolerance in wheat is being adapted from a successful effort in pasture grasses. The biochemicals produced by strains of the fungus are effective against a number of wheat pests and have been shown to have low animal toxicity.

  • Chance finding points to new biocontrol for snails
    Pests, 31 Oct 2020
    Chance finding points to new biocontrol for snails

    Keen powers of observation and ecological understanding of University of Melbourne researchers have led to the discovery of a novel biocontrol of pest slugs and snails. Naturally occurring ciliate protozoa that prey upon slugs and snails could be enlisted to control the pests.

  • Protectant option in synthetic amorphous silica
    Pests, 30 Oct 2020
    Protectant option in synthetic amorphous silica

    Synthetic amorphous silica is being developed for commercial use as a low-toxicity grain protectant. It has potential for application along the grain value chain from on-farm grain storage to bulk storage, handling and food processing facilities.

  • Renewed attempt at biological control of pointed snails
    Pests, 29 Oct 2020
    Renewed attempt at biological control of pointed snails

    Although parasitic flies were introduced into South Australia to help control the grain contaminant pointed snails, the strain did not have much effect. A renewed effort is underway by CSIRO and SARDI, with Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh, that has identified Moroccan strains of parasitic flies with greater potential to control this pest.

  • Natural enemies to be enlisted against green peach aphid
    Pests, 28 Oct 2020
    Natural enemies to be enlisted against green peach aphid

    An innovative control method for green peach aphid is being explored by a postgraduate student at Murdoch University. Andrew Phillips is taking a forensic look at the potential of deploying semiochemicals produced by natural predators to influence their predating of the troublesome aphid pest.

  • Parasitoid wasps with a taste for aphids
    Pests, 26 Oct 2020
    Parasitoid wasps with a taste for aphids

    Parasitoid wasps have been discovered mummifying aphids in Australian canola crops, making them important to conserve as beneficial insects.

  • New knowledge supports integrated pest management
    Pests, 25 Oct 2020
    New knowledge supports integrated pest management

    Integrated pest management adoption is set for a step change, with the provision of new knowledge of the ecology of significant invertebrate grain pests together with more comprehensive understanding and modelling of beneficial pest suppression.

  • ‘Community of learning’ lifts pest management confidence
    Pests, 24 Oct 2020
    ‘Community of learning’ lifts pest management confidence

    Adopting integrated pest management practices can be a knowledge-intensive exercise, but an innovative program providing a ‘community of learning’ and combining multiple learning activities is encouraging practices that support early-season canola pests in New South Wales.

  • Pest detectives tracking the green peach aphid
    Pests, 23 Oct 2020
    Pest detectives tracking the green peach aphid

    Evolving insecticide resistance in green peach aphid is a significant challenge for grain growers. It has seen the development of genetic profiling techniques to keep a watch on aphid insecticide resistance changes and support grower best management practice decisions.

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