Australia’s first outbreak of Tomato-Potato Psyllid (TPP) led to our collaboration with the WA Department of Primary Industries to test commercially available biological and chemical controls.

The introduction of the Scale-eating Ladybird (Lindorus lophanthae) and Thripobius javae (T. semiluteus) provide new options for our clients in the control of pests among ornamentals like palms, orchids and avocado crops.

Remote control technology is offering growers of taller crops a better way to release predators. This follows the successful trial applications of biological predators on large avocado farms in Western Australia earlier this year.

Our capacity to support NSW and Qld growers with high quality monitoring and IPM advice has grown with the relocation of Jake Byrne to north-eastern New South Wales.

Resistance to insecticides is fast becoming an increasing problem. The release of new chemical products has reduced over the last decade and growers are becoming more aware of the need to adopt IPM strategies to overcome pest issues.