Insecticide resistance management and invertebrate pest identification

Approaches to key insect pests of Northern grains

Key points

• Long-term reliance on broad spectrum insecticides for invertebrate pest control is not sustainable.
• Sustainable insect pest management is underpinned by: correct pest identification, crop monitoring, economic thresholds and the use of selective insecticides where possible.
• Prophylactic or ‘insurance’ sprays can speed up the development of resistant pest populations.
• Beneficial insects make a valuable contribution to the suppression of many key pests.
• Implementing IPM improves triple bottom line outcomes – economic, environmental and social.

Approaches to key insect pests of Southern and Western grains

Key points

• Prophylactic or ‘insurance’ sprays can be an unnecessary cost and may speed up the development of resistance in pest populations.
• Consider carefully the need for insecticides. There may be beneficial insects present that will help control pests if crops are left unsprayed.
• IPM uses cultural, chemical, genetic and biological tactics to prevent pests from reaching damaging levels in crops.
• Only apply insecticides after monitoring and correctly identifying pest species.
• If insecticides are used, minimise chemical impact on beneficial insects by considering a selective spray and limited number of applications.
• Rotate chemical classes with different modes of action to minimise resistance problems. Use the correct rates and ensure good coverage.
• Base the choice of control strategies on economic thresholds.