Globally, there are more than 580 documented cases of invertebrate pests evolving resistance to one or more of 325 unique chemicals.
In Australia, the grains industry has a level of ongoing reliance on limited control methods for insect pests, particularly cheaper broad-spectrum chemistries.
A three year project funded by GRDC, supports the sustainable use of insecticides and on-farm implementation of integrated pest management strategies.
BCG researcher, Kelly Angel, said the project will assist growers in the southern region to better understand insecticide resistance on their farm.
“The project investigates the sustainable use of insecticides and integrated pest management strategies to provide relevant and up-to-date information to growers in the southern regions,” she said.
Ms Angel will be presenting on the integrated pest management topic at the BCG Trials Review Day on Friday, February 15.
The presentation will highlight the process of resistance development, pests with current known resistance and practical management strategies.
“Insecticide resistance is an increasing issue and this trend is likely to continue in the absence of significant practice change,” Ms Angel said.
“It is known as the insecticide treadmill, and due to the nature of genes and mutation, selection of beneficial traits, and often short invertebrate generation times an increase in resistance is expected without change.”
Herbicide resistance is a problem growers are more likely to be familiar with.
This is a challenge with insecticides too and therefore insecticide resistance could be an increasing occurrence without more sustainable practices put in place.
“Sustainable pest management strategies are required for the stewardship of newer and older chemistries used in grains,” Ms Angel said.
The BCG Trials Review Day is a members-only event. Non-BCG members can purchase memberships prior to, or on the day.
For more information visit the website at bcg.org.au or phone the office on (03) 5492 2787.
