Completed project
Optimising chemical and cultural control of onion white rot (VN20007)
This project developed a soil DNA test and improved management strategies to help onion growers better assess and manage the risk of onion white rot.
Ongoing project
Entomopathogenic nematodes as biological control agents of important honey bee pests in Australia (PH21004)
Delivery Partner: Western Sydney University
© 2026 Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited.
This investment is testing the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes as biological control agents against two significant pests of honey bees in Australia, the small hive beetle and the wax moth, and developing novel biological control options for these pests.
Biological control of pests involves the application of natural enemies of pests such as predators, parasitoids or pathogens. There are currently no predators or parasitoids in Australia that significantly affect small hive beetle and wax moth populations. However, Australian strains of entomopathogens are readily available in nature and could be developed for use as biopesticides.
The research team is:
This project is funded through Hort Innovation's Frontiers program