What is it all about?

This project is developing an automated monitoring system to help growers better detect and manage fruit spotting bug (FSB) and banana spotting bug (BSB), two major pests that cause significant crop damage and economic losses across industries including banana, avocado, macadamia, custard apple, lychee, papaya and passionfruit.

The work brings together expertise in pest biology, lure development and digital technology to create “smart traps” that provide more accurate and timely pest information. Research is focused on improving the core components needed for automation, including identifying effective attractants for FSB (where no reliable lure currently exists), enhancing existing BSB lures, and developing slow‑release materials that deliver these lures consistently in the field. Field surveys in key growing regions will test lure performance and build a clearer understanding of when and where pests occur across seasons and crops.

Current pest monitoring relies heavily on manual inspections, which are labour intensive, costly and can miss early infestations. By combining better lures with AI‑enabled monitoring, this project aims to reduce that burden on growers and support more confident, data‑driven pest management decisions.

The expected outcome is a practical, reliable monitoring tool that supports integrated pest management, reduces unnecessary chemical use, helps protect yields and improves orchard productivity. If successful, the system could contribute to more sustainable pest management across multiple horticultural industries.