Crop Insights

Changes in Pesticide use and regulations both here and abroad can potentially affect local growers while Integrated Pest Management and integrated weed management are dynamic areas which are the subject of much ongoing research. Overviews of recent developments are covered in this section, together, with key industry events and seasonal developments. Here are some current items that might interest you.

Posted 03/04/12

Many factors can affect the performance of your defoliant in the preparation of your crop for harvest. For best results apply your defoliant with soil moisture at the refill point, while nights are still warm and with the right rate of defoliant and spray oil adjuvant for the conditions.www.crdc.com.au
Commencing your defoliation program at greater than 60% open bolls is still the best way to guarantee high quality, mature fibre from your cotton crop. That's the finding of a study published by the cotton CRC conducted over three seasons to assess the effect of defoliation timing on the fibre quality produced. Cotton CRC
Late season sucking pests like aphids and silverleaf whitefly can make for an unappealing harvest. Control of these pests late season is still a key management consideration. The Caltex Precision Spray Oil, Canopy, can be a valuable adjuvant in the management of these pests.

Posted 16/01/12

Most herbicIde applications in summer present a risk of spray drift. One of the key components of spray drift risk management is the use of at least medium, but more often coarse spray quality. Bill Gordon says there are options for achieving herbicide efficacy even with these large spray droplet sizes. http://www.crdc.com.au/index.cfm?pageID=31&displayNewsID2=41
Apple dimpling bugs (ADB) live a dual purpose life. Based on the findings of a study of ADB, Dr Moazzem Khan (DEEDI) recommends an economic spraying threshold of 10 per metre row of cotton along with 50% fruit retention at the squaring stage. http://thebeatsheet.com.au/
The Cotton Catchment Community CRC November On Farm Pest Management update summarises the use of petroleum spray oils in cotton pest management. http://www.cottoncrc.org.au/Industry/Publications/Information_Sheets

Posted 16/09/11

Aphids are present in cereal and canola crops in many districts but a period of cool conditions and rainfall has kept populations low. Regular monitoring for aphid activity should now have commenced as the onset of warmer spring temperatures will rapidly increase rates of population growth. http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/pestsdiseases/publications/pestfacts8
SLW is capable of transmitting viruses from several different taxonomic virus groups. Out of all virus groups the Begomovirus genus pose the greatest threat to Australian cotton, grain, vegetable and nursery industries. http://thebeatsheet.com.au/
The NSW DPI has just published the Orchard Plant Protection Guide for deciduous fruits, 2011-12. It provides up-to-date information on all aspects of protecting your orchard from pests and diseases. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/pests-diseases-hort/multiple/orchard-plant-protection-guide
The Cotton Research and Development Corporation has recently published new editions of both the Pest and Beneficials Field Guide and the Cotton Pest Management Guide. http://www.crdc.com.au/