Conserve: How do I look after the beneficials on my land?

Our project has only just commenced but there are a number of actions people can take today to conserve beneficials in their fields and in their landscapes. Our top tips are:

1. Become familiar with pesticide products that are selective and do less harm to beneficial species. The Beneficial chemical toxicity table from Cesar Australia is the best place to start.

2. Understand the risk of pest damage to your field and crop and factors that may alter your risk.  The IPM checklist for grains is a great place to start. This will allow you think through when and where beneficials may be able to help you.

3. Think outside the field and consider if you have a landscape that is able to suppress pest populations and support beneficials year-round. Especially consider your non-crop vegetation and the weediness of these patches. The Pest Suppressive Landscapes fact sheet provides more information.

As out projects develops we will be putting more resources and knowledge here to help you conserve beneficials.