Pest management approach

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33815, 11 April 1975, Page 6

Pest management approach

The concept of “pest management” ha« become the focus ot pasture pest research. The reason, according to the Minis try of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Soil and Field Research Organisation, is the prohibi five cost of alternative insecticides to 1)1)1 and dieldrin.

The* Organisations annual report describes pest management as the integration of various control measures with normal farming procedures. It relies largely on ecological knowledge and the ability to locate and assess insect population levels. “Two avenues are being investigated by the Insect Control Group. “Fundamental studies are necessary, because much past research has been spasmodic, experimental, and planned only to meet short-term problems as they arise. This work includes finding an accurate way to assess populations, and studying pests’ seasonal life histories, larval and adult behaviour, and population dynamics. “Applied studies include levels of damage and the formulation of control procedures.” The report notes that in- 1 secticides will remain a major means of control and that chemicals are* being screened continually; for their effectiveness against various pests, their activity’ in different soils and the best methods of) application.

“Pasture grasses and legumes are being studied for resistance or tolerance to the major pests, and some promising varieties have been discovered. These will now undergo agronomical and animal-nu-trition trials. “Other research covers irrigation, stock trampling

and grazing, cultivatin' biological controls. and cropping to break the sequence of infestation. The report states that the aim is to find an intei im answer whenever pos sible. and then establish a range of possible solutions for different types of land and conditions. Present studies are limited to grass grub, black beetle, soldier fly. Argentine stem wee\ i . and white-fringed weevil.