Improving management of chilli thrips in blueberry and Rubus (MT24009)

 Project start date: 20/05/2025 

This project is focused on developing effective, sustainable strategies to manage chilli thrips, a serious pest affecting the blueberry and Rubus industries. By targeting growers, agronomists, pest management professionals, and researchers, the project aims to deliver practical tools such as pest monitoring systems, biological control agents, and best-practice guidelines. These resources will help reduce crop damage and improve pest control outcomes across the horticultural sector, particularly for fruit crops. 

Through a combination of laboratory, glasshouse, and field research, the project will deepen understanding of chilli thrips’ lifecycle and ecology, test new management approaches, and develop early detection tools. It will also foster collaboration between universities, government, and industry, while supporting the next generation of entomologists. Ultimately, the project will provide real-world solutions that are both scientifically sound and practically feasible, helping to protect crop yields and strengthen the resilience of Australia’s horticultural industries.