Growers or advisers experiencing chemical control failures involving the redlegged earth mite (Halotydeus destructor, RLEM), or suspecting issues with insecticide resistance, are encouraged to contact us to access a resistance testing service.
Redlegged earth mite populations from paddocks which are frequently impacted by the mites, and often require spraying are also ideal candidates for resistance testing.
The testing service is available across SA, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, and will be at no-cost for Australian grain growers and advisers, thanks to funding from the GRDC.
The service will not only help detect any resistance before it becomes widespread but will also help identify the best control options for growers. A kit can be provided containing the necessary equipment to send mites in if required.
Insecticide resistance in the redlegged earth mite is no longer isolated to Western Australia, after resistance was confirmed in multiple redlegged earth mite populations from South Australia in 2017.
This resistance is likely to spread to other states, including Victoria and New South Wales. Growers and advisers are encouraged to remain vigilant; spray paddocks only when mite numbers warrant it, inspect paddocks post-spraying and to report any suspected spray failures.
One of the major redlegged earth mite management challenges is that growers are limited in their options to rotate chemicals between different mode of action groups. We encourage using non-chemical controls tactics to assist reducing reliance on chemical controls as outlined in the Redlegged earth mite insecticide resistance management strategy.
For further information or to access the testing service, please contact:
Aston Arthur
0427 875 040
Cover image: Photo by Andrew Weeks, Cesar Australia