MONITORING and responding to citrus pests as they arise could be the key to helping northern Western Australian producers get on top of nasties.
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This was one of the discussion points which arose at a pest and disease management workshop at Bindoon in September.
Attendees examined sustainable approaches to pest and disease management which includes integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) which uses results from monitoring pests and their natural enemies to implement effective combinations of biological, cultural and chemical control options.
DPIRD research scientist Rachelle Johnstone the approach has been used within Australia for more than 30 years but growers continue to be challenged by increasing consumer demand for blemish free fruit, as well as reduced chemical use.
"There is increasing interest from citrus growers in using IPDM, in response to a reduction of registered products and the risk of chemical resistance and consumer demand for low input produce," Ms Johnstone said.
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"This national project joins with other citrus producing states to share knowledge and orchard practices on IPDM strategies and options to assist growers to make changes to their operations."
A 2022 survey of the knowledge and pest management practices by WA citrus growers will help tailor research activities to suit local orchard systems.
Northern Valley Packers chief executive officer Shane Kay said it was important to learn more about pest identification, which was essential to an effective IPDM program.
"Pests can cause a lot of damage so it's important to know what is in the orchard and when, to make informed decisions about the most appropriate IPDM strategies," he said.
"It's too late when damaged fruit reaches the pack shed, we need to be looking for pests in the orchard and taking the appropriate action before they get to a level where they cost growers significantly."
An IPDM demonstration site will be established during the project on a commercial citrus orchard to test and evaluate IPDM strategies and applications.
Information from the project will be extended to growers and advisers via workshops, field walks, while fact sheets and videos will be developed and available via the DPIRD website.
DPIRD and WA Citrus collaborated with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and IPDM specialists to deliver the Hort Innovation funded Citrus IPDM extension program.
The workshops are part of a four year national Citrus Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) extension program funded by Hort Innovation to facilitate the adoption of strategies to support a profitable and sustainable citrus industry.
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