Insecticide resistance in the southern region: current status, future risk and best management practices

The Australian grains industry has an ongoing reliance on limited chemical control methods – particularly cheaper broad-spectrum chemistries. Therefore, managing insecticide resistance is a major challenge.

Currently, insecticide resistance in Australian grains (excluding the grain storage pests) is established in redlegged earth mites (Halotydeus destructor), green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and corn earworm (Helicoverpa armigera). These pests also cross over into other industries (such as the horticultural, cotton or grazing industries) meaning resistance selection can also be driven by chemical practices within these industries.

In light of this occurrence, a resistance management strategy was developed for the region. An understanding of insecticides registered for use in other industries, and therefore with potential for cross-industry issues, can be found by referring to the ‘Science behind the RMS’ documents on the IPM Guidelines for Grains website.