Future options for the control of RLEM in Australian grain crops

The red legged earth mite (RLEM) is one of the most destructive and economically important establishment pests of grain crops. Insecticides are currently the most effective and widely used control method against RLEM, however the emergence and spread of insecticide resistance to synthetic pyrethroids and organophosphates in the RLEM has resulted in a need for a reassessment of management options for this pest.

This investment will focus on broad scale field surveillance, exploration of novel synthetic and biological based approaches, investigation of IPM tactics for sustainable RLEM management, and development of risk forecasting tools to support proactive management of RLEM.