Irrigation Discussion Group Focus Paddock - Use of Predatory Mites to Control Two-Spotted Mite in Maize

2020

Research organisaton
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) N/A
Contact email charlie.aves@irrigatedcroppingcouncil.com.au
Contact phone +61416400979
Year(s) 2020
Contributor Irrigated Cropping Council
Trial location(s) Cooma, VIC
Irrigation Discussion Group Focus Paddock - Use of Predatory Mites to Control Two-Spotted Mite in Maize locations
Aims

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

Key messages

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.

Cooma VIC 2020

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
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
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Method

Crop type Cereal (Grain): Maize
Treatment type(s)
  • Insecticide: Type
Trial type Demonstration
Trial design Unreplicated

Cooma 2020

Sow date 5 November 2019
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication 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.

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Trial source data and summary not available
Check the trial report PDF for trial results.
Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Cooma, VIC Not specified
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Cooma, VIC Sodosol
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

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Climate

Derived climate information

No observed climate data available for this trial.
Derived climate data is determined from trial site location and national weather sources.

Cooma VIC

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Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

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.

Trial report and links

2020 trial report

Event Date Type Effect
Overwinter

Crop needed to be overwintered

30-04-2020 High rainfall N/A


Trial last modified: 30-05-2023 17:35pm AEST