What is it all about?

This investment is developing effective pheromone-based methods for managing mirids and vegetable bugs. Ultimately, it will provide industry with recommendations for raspberry and blackberry growers on how pheromones and traps fit within an integrated pest management approach.

The research team will review existing control measures, survey mirids and vegetable bugs on commercial properties and quantify the damage across Australia’s major production regions. 

Then the research team will:

• Investigate the physical and biochemical sources of variation in the attractiveness of mirid and vegetable bug populations
• Develop a pathway for effective pest monitoring by evaluating trapping efficacy using adaptable pheromones or pheromone blends.
• Develop an effective trap management plan to maximise efficiency and enable large-scale management of mirid and vegetable bugs.