Pest mites are a significant threat to the establishment of grain crops and the emergence of resistance to synthetic pyrethroids and organophosphates in the red legged earth mite (RLEM) is of particular concern.

This investment will optimise insecticide-testing methodologies, develop baseline sensitivity data and test field populations across Australia if/when chemical control failures are reported. The project will provide recommendations about insecticide resistance management and improved chemical control methods for RLEM as well as investigating emerging resistance in lucerne flea and Bryobia mites.