Free redlegged earth mite insecticide resistance testing service

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

aarthur@cesaraustralia.com

Cover image: Photo by Andrew Weeks, Cesar Australia

What is Pestfacts south-eastern?

PestFacts south-eastern keeps growers and advisers informed about invertebrate pests and beneficials in broadacre crops and pastures during the winter-cropping season in Victoria and southern New South Wales.

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PestFacts south-eastern is supported by the project ‘Seasonal status of pests delivered to growers’, a GRDC investment delivered by Cesar Australia with in-kind contributions from both partner organisations.

The online PestFacts south-eastern collection also includes a selection of articles published prior to April 2024 when the service was supported by previous GRDC investments, including The National Pest Information Service and IPMforGrains.