Mirid and mealybug best practice management

This project aimed to improve best practice management for mirid and mealybug pests in cotton. In the mirid part of the project, research and best practice guidelines were reviewed to identify knowledge gaps and extension needs. The review recommended immediate changes to the existing threshold, and highlighted future research needs. The second part of the project focuses on cotton mealybug. Effective management requires integrated chemical, biological and cultural approaches: Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Biological controls (native and/or introduced natural enemies) are critical complementary measures but are not well understood. This project quantified the contribution of key predators where IPM-compatible insecticides are used with beneficial insects to control pests.