RESEARCH & EVENTS
Carpophilus beetle research update
RESEARCH on management options for the almond carpophilus beetle is continuing under Phase 2 of the project ‘ An integrated pest management program for the Australian almond industry ’. The improved trap developed by Agriculture Victoria during Phase 1 of the project is currently being field tested in a large scale ‘ Attract & Kill ’ ( A & K ) mass trapping trial . In stark contrast to the original stone fruit carpophilus trap , the new trap is highly specific to the almond carpophilus beetle ( Carpophilus truncatus ) which makes up approximately 98 % of the catch . The aim of the trial is to determine the efficacy of mass A & K in protecting the new crop from kernel damage by suppressing the beetle population . In this trial , a high trapping density of 16.6 traps / ha is being used to maximise the A & K effect . The Project Leader , Agriculture Victoria entomologist David Madge , said the trapping density may be considered very high , but that “ it ’ s important to get clear proof that the approach works , then shift the focus to making it commercially viable for growers ”. This may involve for example , looking at its effectiveness at reduced trapping densities , or investigating
A Carpophilus beetle trap developed by Agriculture Victoria is currently being trialled .
alternative ( cheaper ) methods to deliver A & K using the new lures developed by the project . The traps currently require servicing every two weeks , but ways to reduce that service frequency are being investigated . Low numbers of the same trap are also being maintained across a few almond orchards to monitor beetle activity throughout the season .
While the mass trapping trial is underway , efforts are also being directed towards improving the trap further . The potential for enhancing the attractiveness of the trap by adding extra volatile compounds to the lure will soon be assessed in field trials . These compounds are released from mummy nuts , or new nuts at hull split , and have been shown to stimulate responses in the beetle . In a different approach to managing the beetle , entomopathogenic fungi isolated from almond orchard soil during Phase 1 of the project are being formally identified and assessed for their potential as biopesticides against the pest . Some of these fungi have caused high mortality in almond carpophilus beetle in a laboratory setting and the research now aims to select the best strains , evaluate techniques for mass production and application , and see how those promising results may be transferred to an orchard setting . Even with the potential for mass trapping and biopesticides , Mr Madge reminds growers that the foundation for good management of carpophilus beetle ( and carob moth ) will continue to be effective harvest and good orchard hygiene .
Carpophilus makes its way to California
The Californian almond industry has turned to Australia for advice to help manage Carpophilus truncatus – Australia ’ s number one almond pest which was recently confirmed as the cause of damage to almonds and pistachios in California . Agriculture Victoria scientists from the Integrated Pest Management project funded by Hort Innovation and representatives of the Almond Board of Australia held talks with the Almond Board of California ’ s Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Specialist , Pest Management , in November . In Australia , C . truncatus was first observed damaging almonds in an orchard near Robinvale in 2013 and by 2014 the damage levels had increased dramatically . This species was subsequently reported as infesting walnuts in Argentina in 2015 and Italy in 2019 . According to museum specimens , the beetle has been in Australia for more than 100 years , but it has also been reported from many countries around the world and its origin is unknown . Currently , the full extent of the situation regarding C . truncatus in California is unclear . The standard of orchard hygiene is reportedly much better in California , partly because of higher moisture levels in winter which improve nut removal during shaking . In addition , Californian orchards tend to receive more pesticide applications than their Australian counterparts , as part of their management program for several pests including navel
orangeworm . These differences may help to prevent C . truncatus becoming a major problem for the Californian industry . On the other hand , returns to growers in California are relatively low and that is apparently prompting some to walk away from their orchards or reduce inputs such as pesticides and orchard hygiene . These abandoned or low input orchards might be an issue when it comes to controlling the beetle across the industry . The Almond Board of California has expressed interest in accessing the lure for C . truncatus developed by Agriculture Victoria during the IPM project , and discussions are underway as to how this may proceed .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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