A scoping study of IPM compatible options for the management of key vegetable sucking pests: Final report (Project Number: VG06094)

BACKGROUND BRIEFING The availability of specific soft option products for other pests such as Lepidoptera species control in vegetables has increased the importance of sucking pests in the modern day pest spectrum. Current vegetable sucking pest management practices are still heavily reliant on older broad spectrum pesticides. These non selective products prevent further adoption of an integrated pest management (IPM) system, and their frequent, multiple crop use pattern has the potential to enhance resistance development in the pest population. A limited number of more recently developed, pest specific or “softer” products for example spinosad (Success®) and pymetrozine (Chess®) are registered in some specific vegetable crops. The management of sucking pests is also complicated by the fact that virus transmission and product contamination are as, if not more important than the physical damage they can cause to vegetable crops. To modernise sucking pest control in the vegetable sector, work in a range of overlapping multifaceted areas needs to occur. A team of entomologist in consultation with crop consultants, growers and specialist reviewers conducted a scoping study of the impact of at least 5 sucking pests commonly found across vegetable crops. Literature reviews, an industry workshop, interstate producer interviews and farm visits were employed to collate information on current best 'fit' management options within an IPM system, relevant to the particular vegetable and potential future management options. Ideas for future research, development, and extension activities highlighted in the workshop process included ; biopesticides, improved beneficial insect management in current cropping systems, monitoring and early warning, improved knowledge of pest ecology, resistance issues, improved soft option products, increased grower awareness and information, extension and publications. Developing and testing fungal biopesticides against sucking pests, managing insecticide resistance and field testing biocontrol agents against thrips were considered the top three topics for further research of 28 topics listed and prioritised by the workshop participants.