Investigating management of green stink bugs in raspberry crops (RB12011)

What was it all about?

This project investigated a low-pesticide strategy for management of green stink bugs, Plautia affinis (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Work included:

• Establishment of a laboratory colony to enable screening of insecticides and testing biological control agents
• Evaluation of insecticides for their efficacy in controlling green stink bugs
• Investigations for potential biological control
• Development of monitoring or management strategies.

Researchers investigated the biology and ecology of the green stink bug which allowed a monitoring and management strategy to be developed for raspberries. They included the development of biological control options – using fewer chemicals and building populations of natural enemies of the bug.

This project revealed the importance of monitoring green stink bug populations. The findings allowed development of a general management strategy for growers, disseminated through the industry body RABA.

Further, this project took steps to maintain market access for Australian raspberries by minimising the risk of pesticide residues. It also led to the introduction of new pest management practices by Costa Berry Exchange, which represents a substantial part of the industry.