This investment is developing and extending effective integrated pest management (IPM) approaches for the Australian raspberry and blackberry industries. The project team will work with growers, advisors, and suppliers in developing and implementing these new practices to establish a more profitable and sustainable industry.

Key elements of the program include:

• Developing innovative, environmentally sound pest management systems that conserve both naturally occurring and introduced beneficial species within the crop through conservation biological control techniques that suit modern rubus production.
• Developing and promoting cultural management practices, including those that undermine pest establishment.
• Expanding the biological control options available to raspberry and blackberry growers through an improved understanding of currently natural enemy biodiversity and the factors that both promote or hinder their establishment and persistence in Australian rubus.
• Extending evidence-based decision support tools using existing and new knowledge to streamline grower decision-making regarding pest and beneficial arthropod intervention selection and timing.
• Improving industry confidence regarding IPM adoption and research capability focussed on Australian rubus production.