Project details
Status: Current
At a glance
A national $2.4 million research program to boost integrated pest management in raspberry & blackberry crops. The research will investigate
- methods to conserve natural and introduced beneficial species
- crop management techniques to reduce pest pressure, such as trap cropping
- classic biological control with new pest enemies
About the project
This national $2.4M research program will boost integrated pest management (IPM) in raspberry and blackberry (rubus) crops - meeting the challenge of modern growing systems and pests.
Australian raspberries and blackberries are predominantly grown intensively under protected cultivation in polytunnels. This environment can be far less forgiving than traditional field production and has seen the emergence of new pests and increased pest pressure. The research program will be developing ‘integrated pest management’ (IPM) that considers the whole production system and the best combination of complementary pest management strategies that minimise chemical use.
Integrated pest management research
The research will investigate three core integrated pest management strategies
Designing a system that includes diverse plant communities within the crop to provide safe refuges for both introduced and natural beneficial species to feed and reproduce. The aim is to reduce the impact of pests and increase the persistence of beneficial mites and insects.
Surveying raspberry and blackberry crops for new beneficial species and assessing two new biological control candidates, the mite predator Typhlodromus dossei and the green vegetable bug parasite Trichopoda giacomelli.
Planting a ‘trap crop’ adjacent to the raspberry / blackberry crop that is highly attractive to the target pest, particularly highly mobile migratory pests such as mirids. The pest is controlled in the trap crop without impacting the ecosystem established inside the raspberry /blackberry crop.
Regionally specific
Raspberry and blackberry cultivation stretches from Bundaberg in Queensland to the southern reaches of Tasmania. TIA is partnering with DPI NSW, Agriculture Victoria and local growers to design integrated pest management systems that are regionally specific.
Complementary research
Two 3 year PhD research projects starting in mid-2024 will complement the research program.
- Determining spray thresholds for two spotted mite and mirids in raspberries and blackberries.
- Using pheromones and traps in the management of mirids and vegetable bugs
Watch: What is conservation biocontrol?
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Acknowledgements:
This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Rasbpberry and Blackberry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture