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| Researcher(s) |
Julie Clark Jo Holloway Rachel Wood |
|---|---|
| Year(s) | 2017 |
| Contributor | Department of Primary Industries NSW |
| Trial location(s) |
Wagga Wagga, ACT
|
| Further information | View external link |
The aims of these experiments were to determine:
• the potential effect of natural enemies on insect pests
• any long-term effects from insecticide seed treatments on natural enemies
• any differences in natural enemies and pest distribution.
• Natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) found within the crop were diverse, but had variable distribution.
• The abundance of natural enemies increased with time, which was probably related to an increase in pest pressure as well as temperature.
• Growers might be able to use more targeted sprays to control pests.
• Seed treatments appeared to have no long-term effects on natural enemy abundance.
The abundance and composition of natural enemies responded to the abundance and composition of pests present, and both cage experiments indicated signs of predation and parasitism. However, these natural enemies appeared unable to control large infestations, as seen with the large influx of aphids late in the season. Unfortunately, as yield was not measured in this experiment, it is not known whether these aphids caused any economic damage in this moisturestressed crop. The effect of location preference for pests can influence pest-management decisions. For flying dispersal species such as aphids, a border spray might be sufficient to control them. Combined with a selective rather than a broad spectrum spray, this could increase the numbers of natural enemies present in the field throughout the season and possibly the next one as well. Seed treatments appear to have no lasting effects on natural enemies and can be seen as a ‘softer’ option in pest control during crop establishment. However, continued prophylactic use can lead to other issues, such as resistance or effects on soil fauna not studied here.
| Lead research organisation |
Department of Primary Industries NSW |
|---|---|
| Host research organisation | N/A |
| Trial funding source | SARDI CSE00059 |
| Trial funding source | DPIRD WA |
| Trial funding source | CSIRO |
| Related program | N/A |
| Acknowledgments |
This experiment was part of the project ‘New knowledge to improve the timing of pest management decisions in grain crops’, CSE00059, 1 March 2015–30 June 2020. This project is a collaboration between CSIRO, cesar, SARDI and WA DPIRD. |
| Other trial partners | Not specified |
| Crop type | Oilseed: Canola |
|---|---|
| Treatment type(s) |
|
| Trial type | Experimental |
| Trial design | Replicated |
| Sow date | 4 May 2017 |
|---|---|
| Harvest date | Unknown |
| Plot size | Not specified |
| Plot replication | 5 |
| Fungicide |
The experiment area was divided into two plots: half sown with fungicide-treated seed (Jockey®) and the rest, as well as the remainder of the paddock, sown with insecticide- (Gaucho®) and fungicide-treated seed. Apart from the seed treatment, no other insecticides were used on the canola crop. |
| Other trial notes |
This research paper is an extract from the publication Southern NSW Research Results 2018, available at |
SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol 16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.
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Note that PBR cover is administered through the Plant Breeders’ Right Act 1994 (