RESEARCH & EVENTS
Entomopathogenic fungi are showing promise as biopesticides for almond carpophilus beetle [ Photo : Agriculture Victoria ].
Pesticides and biopesticides Detailed sampling during Phase 1 confirmed carob moth damage to nuts was concentrated in the upper portion of trees . This highlighted the necessity of effective delivery of pesticides to that area through the correct setup of appropriate spray equipment and the management of tree structure to improve spray access . Off-target impacts of almond pesticides were also reviewed and documented to guide growers in the selection of IPMfriendly pesticides . A review of alternative pesticides highlighted the potential of entomopathogens ( insectkilling pathogens ) as ‘ biopesticides ’ against almond pests . Entomopathogenic fungi ( EPF ), including strains collected from Australian almond orchard soil , were tested against almond carpophilus beetle with very promising results . Phase 2 is researching the production and use of EPF as a management tool for this pest .
Biological control High rates of parasitism of carob moth eggs by tiny Trichogramma wasps were achieved in laboratory studies during Phase 1 , but these were not reflected in assessments of experimental and commercial mass releases of this wasp in almond orchards . A survey of insects occurring naturally in almond orchards found a diversity of species , including many potential natural enemies of carob moth . Phase 2 research will investigate relationships between this diversity and characteristics of orchards and orchard management , to identify strategies aimed at improving biological control by supporting natural enemy populations .
Rust-red flour beetle is one of Australia ’ s serious postharvest pests of almonds [ Photo : USDA ARS ].
Postharvest disinfestation Severe deficiencies in bulk stockpile fumigation of almonds , related to inadequate maintenance of phosphine gas concentrations , were exposed during Phase 1 . This leaves the stockpiles susceptible to infestation by pests and increases the risk of fumigant resistance developing , as has been occurring within the grains industry . The absorption of phosphine by almonds , leakage through inadequate sealing of tarpaulins , and loss into unsealed ground under the stockpiles , were identified as likely causes of the low gas concentrations . The key postharvest pests of almonds were also documented . Phase 2 research is focused on developing new fumigation protocols to ensure that postharvest management of these pests is as effective as possible . It also aims to establish a fumigant resistance monitoring program in collaboration with industry , assess the benefit : cost of sealed storages for almond fumigation , and evaluate the potential for new technology to provide rapid detection of infested produce in storage . The final report for Project AL16009 ‘ An integrated pest management program for the Australian almond industry ’, covering the first phase of the IPM research program , is available through Hort Innovation at horticulture . com . au . Project AL22003 ‘ An integrated pest management program for the Australian almond industry , Phase 2 ’, continues through to the summer of 2027 / 28 .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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