Description:
The evolution of resistance to insecticides in DBM means growers have limited insecticide options.
Surveys are undertaken throughout the five WA port zones to provide more information about how plants, such as species from the Brassica family, are harbouring DBM in summer and winter. This surveillance helps inform where in the landscape these host plants are occurring and how DBM subsequently moves through the grainbelt and re-colonises canola crops.
That information helps WA growers and advisors to effectively manage early season pressure of DBM by having access to real-time information of infestation risk and allowing them to utilise effective insecticides to manage DBM in early-season infested crops in WA. It also helps improve the forecasting of seasonal risk of DBM outbreaks helping the industry manage insecticide resistance.
The information could be used to produce a forecasting system for DBM, similar to those already developed for crop diseases such as blackleg disease in canola and black spot disease in field pea.
Regardless, Western Australian canola growers and advisers will be provided with earlier warning about potential DBM outbreaks, so they can be pro-active in managing this insect pest.
Funding source:
GRDC
Project code:
DAW1905-010RTX