Researcher(s) | N/A |
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Contact email | charlie.aves@irrigatedcroppingcouncil.com.au |
Contact phone | +61416400979 |
Year(s) | 2020 |
Contributor | Irrigated Cropping Council |
Trial location(s) |
Cooma, VIC
|
Currently many growers rely upon the use of Zeal® (Etoxazole), applied to the crop via a helicopter to control mites post tasselling in the maize. Some growers are wishing to reduce their reliance upon insecticides and enable the beneficial insects to increase on their farms. Predatory mites were released at a demonstration site in Cooma to see if insecticde use could be reduced or illiminated by importing beneficial insects
The 2019/20 season was regarded as one of only moderate mite pressure, Two Spotted Mite control of some form was required at Byrneside in Northern Victoria.
The commercial release of Persimilis could be considered as a viable alternative to the application of a foliar miticide, although timing, and crop monitoring is essential. The effectiveness of Califonicus needs further investigation. It is typically released earlier in the season, almost as a prophylactic treatment in that it can survive on pollen & stops mite numbers from building up.
Economics:
Cost of one application of Zeal® (product and application/ha) = applied 350 ml/ha via helicopter = $56.61+$42= $98.61 (plus GST)
Cost of Persimilis (insects and drone application/ha) = $210 (plus GST)
Cost of Califonicus (insects and drone application/ha) = $150 (plus GST)
In a typical pest pressure year more than one application of Zeal® would be expected, whereas only one application of Persimilis may be required as once established they would keep building up within the field over the season. This would need to be evaluated in a high pest pressure year though prior to growers considering commercial adoption.
The blocks treated with predatory mites were closely monitored on the 21 February, 6 and 19 March 2020 by Fraser Harris and David Loxley from Bugs for Bugs. At the 28 day inspection, an assessment of Zeal® performance on the adjacent block was also made. Ongoing observation and monitoring of the crop was also conducted by Luke Nagle from Advanced Ag and the grower, Ian Hamono.
Lead research organisation |
Irrigated Cropping Council |
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Host research organisation | N/A |
Trial funding source | GRDC ICF1906-002RTX |
Related program | N/A |
Acknowledgments |
Ian & Mary Hamono for hosting the demonstration David Loxley and Fraser Harris (Bugs for Bugs) for their support and Luke Nagle (Advanced Ag) fo conducting in-crop monitoring |
Other trial partners | Maize Association of Australia |
Crop type | Cereal (Grain): Maize |
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Treatment type(s) |
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Trial type | Demonstration |
Trial design | Unreplicated |
Sow date | 5 November 2019 |
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Harvest date | Unknown |
Plot size | Not specified |
Plot replication | Not specified |
Psuedoreplication | Not specified |
Insecticide |
Farmer practice strip: The crop was monitored, with agronomy services from Luke Nagle of Advanced Ag, resulting in a commercial application of Zeal at 350ml/ha on 30 January 2020 via helicopter IPM strips: On the 7 February 2020 Persimilis (Pytoseiulus persimilis) & Californicus (Neoseiulus californicus) were released by a drone two 3ha blocks of maize – 3ha treated with Persimilis at 30,000 per ha & 3ha treated with with Californicus at 100,000 per ha. No Zeal® had previously been applied to these. Additionally, a small focus plot (30m2) was set up where a higher number of Persimilis per hectare were applied on bean leaves which had a two-spotted mite infestation to act as an immediate food source. This was done to closely monitor the establishment, persistence and performance of the Persimilis. |
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.
Event | Date | Type | Effect |
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Overwinter Crop needed to be overwintered |
30-04-2020 | High rainfall | N/A |