Canola Allies: Tailoring practices for beneficials in canola systems
Canola is an important oilseed crop in Australia, with >8 million tonnes produced in 2023, valued at $6B. Australian-grown canola is subject to attack by at least 30 different species of invertebrate pests, causing estimated average annual loss of $54M. Current management strategies rely on the use of synthetic pesticides and this single-technology approach has negative impacts on biodiversity, and presents an ongoing risk of pests developing resistance to such insecticides. Beneficials (natural enemy species, such as predators and parasitic wasps) can suppress a wide range of herbivores, and thus potentially offer a sustainable management approach if integrated into canola production systems. But how can growers use beneficials more to control pests in their canola fields?
A canola field in flower
Our Agroecology team has just commenced a new project, supported by GRDC, to understand the impact of beneficial species on canola pests, and determine ways to enhance their activities in landscapes and in fields. The 5-year project will develop tailored integrated solutions for our Australian beneficial arthropod biodiversity. CSIRO is leading the project with four collaborating partners to deliver the project outcomes: WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), SA Research and Development Institute (SARDI, and its alignment with University of Adelaide) and Murdoch University. We have collaborators on the project (e.g. Biological Services) and a diverse steering committee to help guide our work.
Through the project development process with GRDC we have identified four key outputs:
- Delivery of knowledge on the distribution, biology, and ecology of beneficial invertebrate species that impact pests of canola. Determine how to integrate information on beneficials into a surveillance system to enable active management of beneficial species.
- Estimate the impact and value of beneficials and develop implementation strategies tailored to the needs of growers.
- Explore strategies to manipulate and optimise habitats to conserve beneficial species in canola landscapes.
- Develop a spatially-explicit model that incorporates field, farm and regional dynamics. This will inform agripest risks and help tailor solutions to individual canola crop fields.
More information about this exciting project soon.
Resources about beneficials:
The GRDC back pocket guide.
Great guide on establishment pests that includes beneficials in NSW from GRDC and cesar Australia.
Beneficials chemical toxicity table from cesar Australia
GRDC Pest suppressive landscapes fact sheet