Integrated pest management

This project delivers an integrated pest management program for the Australian almond industry through providing growers with a toolkit of effective practices, new technologies and practical guidelines. Through a diverse program of activities including field days, presentations and publications, the project will equip almond producers and processors with the knowledge and tools required to implement cost-effective integrated pest management strategies for carpophilus beetle and carob moth. The priority focus areas for the project are to: Complete the development of ‘attract and kill’ technology for carpophilus beetles Complete the development of a female lure and trap for carob moth Continue research on carob moth mating disruption Develop improved strategies for management of postharvest and storage pests Investigate options to improve biological control of carpophilus beetle and carob moth Communicate knowledge and understanding of integrated pest management tools and strategies to industry through effective extension.

Beginning in late 2017, this project will help growers tackle the problem of insect pests and the damage they cause almond crops both in the orchard and after harvest. With a focus on integrated pest management, the program will develop a toolkit of practices, technologies and guidelines to help growers reduce insect populations, with areas of investigation including: improved orchard hygiene and mummy management; new ‘attract and kill’ technologies that target damaging Carpophilus species and female carob moths; improved mating disruption for carob moths; pesticide options that are more compatible with an integrated pest management approach; improved understanding of pest species and their natural enemies (biological controls); and improved post-harvest disinfestation and monitoring.