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Pests, 19 Dec 2022
Wet conditions make vigilance the key for slugs
Economics should be one of the factors that drives decisions about baiting and other control methods for slugs and snails. In late winter and early spring 2022, invertebrate ecologist Dr Michael Nash toured key grain growing regions on behalf of GRDC to discuss with growers the local conditions and factors that influence their decision on whether or not to bait in their crops.
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Pests, 25 Nov 2022
Multifaceted approach to combat snails in grain crops
A new $4.6 million national research project is set to provide Australian grain growers with new tools and management techniques to combat snails, aiming to minimise losses and improve market opportunities for affected crops.
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Pests, 01 Nov 2022
Growers urged to reduce available food for mice this harvest
Western Australia grain growers in areas where mouse numbers are at moderate levels are advised to prioritise minimising grain on the ground after harvest to help reduce the potential for an outbreak ahead of sowing in 2023.
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Pests, 10 Oct 2022
Samples sought to understand Rutherglen bug dynamics
Rutherglen bug is a migratory native species that causes occasional but significant damage to the grains industry. Impacted grain crops include sunflower, sorghum, canola, and safflower. In years of significant RGB populations, pulses and cereals may also be affected.
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Diseases, 30 Aug 2022
Further case of insecticide resistance found in GPA
Globally, green peach aphid (GPA) has been confirmed resistant to at least 80 insecticides from a variety of chemical groups. Australian research has also now found populations of GPA with resistance to spirotetramat, an important tool in GPA management in vegetable crops in Australia.
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Pests, 08 Aug 2022
Latest GRDC slug control tactics now available for growers
Increased slug damage has been reported by grain growers in Victoria, South Australia and southern New South Wales after ongoing wet conditions. Some areas have experienced this pest for the first time.
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Pests, 30 Jun 2022
Growers urged to test redlegged earth mite for resistance
Grain growers and farm advisers are being encouraged to send in samples of redlegged earth mites to Cesar Australia if they notice a chemical failure or suspect insecticide resistance.
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Pests, 01 Jun 2022
Beneficial insects spring back after fire
An unprecedented study of the impact of bushfires within southern farming systems has delivered some surprising results and new knowledge to inform future post-fire management strategies. The study was conducted by AgXtra on fire grounds on the lower Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island in South Australia, where the 2019-20 bushfires burned about 10,400 hectares of cropping land.
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Pests, 23 May 2022
Maintain vigilance to protect winter crops from mice
With sowing in full swing across Australia’s grain growing regions, growers have been encouraged to remain vigilant for mice. CSIRO Research Officer, Steve Henry, said walking through paddocks is the best way to gauge numbers.
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Pests, 06 May 2022
Chaff residues put to the pest pressure
A study is underway to determine whether harvest weed seed control systems which create chaff residues are promoting increased crop pest activity and associated crop damage in the southern cropping region.