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Pests, 04 Dec 2020
Early research to guide insecticide use for fall armyworm
Fall armyworm currently shows no evidence of resistance to important insecticides.
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Pests, 27 Nov 2020
Minimise mouse risk by reducing food source load this harvest
Getting as much grain stored as possible will help reduce potential mouse populations and baiting activities prior to sowing in 2021.
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Pests, 11 Nov 2020
Resource consolidates Fall armyworm information
Compiling information from international knowledge and expertise, the Fall armyworm Continuity Plan has been developed for the Australian grains industry.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.