Agricultural
6 July, 2022
Growers urged to test redlegged earth mite for resistance
Grain growers and farm advisers are being asked whether they have noticed a chemical control failure or suspect insecticide resistance in redlegged earth mites (RLEM).
If you have concerns, research organisation Cesar Australia is encouraging you to send in RLEM samples for testing for insecticide resistance.
Associate Professor Paul Umina, director of Cesar Australia, said a major concern facing the Australian grains industry was the heavy reliance on three registered chemical classes to control RLEM – neonicotinoids as a seed dressing, and synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) and organophosphates (OPs) as foliar insecticides.
The research team is interested in hearing from growers or advisers who have experienced recent or past chemical control failures or have paddocks that continually require control of RLEM with pesticides.
“RLEM populations from paddocks which are frequently impacted by the mites, and often require spraying, are ideal candidates for resistance testing,” Assoc. Prof. Umina said.
Cesar Australia will be undertaking field trips to collect RLEM for resistance screening, so get in touch if you would like to discuss RLEM collection from your area.
For further information about the resistance testing service contact Dr Aston Arthur, Cesar Australia on 0427 875 040 or via email aarthur@cesaraustralia.com
