Integrated pest management (IPM) in raspberries under subtropical climate in a year round production system

Abstract

The raspberry crop in Australia is affected by different pests during its growth cycle. The main pests with an economic impact are: Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni), two spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae), broadmite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus), grubs (Helicoverpa spp., loopers, cluster caterpillars, etc.), western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalis), green stink bug (Plautia affinis) and green vegetable bug (Nezara viridula). As raspberries are harvested daily, the ability to meet the withholding period requirements after each pesticide application becomes a challenge. Also, the use of agrochemicals as the only control method reduces the efficacy of the pest control program in the short and long term. That's why integrated pest management (IPM) should be considered as an essential strategy for the effective pest control in raspberry crops. However, avoidance of broad spectrum pesticides increases the likelihood of secondary pests becoming an issue (e.g., cotton seed bug (Oxycarensus luctuosus), and myrids). In Corindi, New South Wales (NSW), we have been working to establish an IPM program based on biological control agents and selective pesticides with low or no side effects on beneficial insects or mites. We have been testing biological control agents for pests that cannot be controlled by any selective pesticides currently available. As Corindi is located in a subtropical climate and we grow raspberries year round, pest control becomes quite complex and challenging, so we continue to search for new products and control techniques.