Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation

Research Compendium 1993 - 1994

Research Project

DEVELOPMENT OF FORECASTING SYSTEM FOR HELIOTHIS MIGRATION INTO EASTERN AUSTRALIA

Objectives

• To understand the broad scale population dynamics of Helicoverpa punctigera and H. armigera over large areas of eastern and central Australia, including non-cropping regions.
• To use this understanding to develop forecasting methods which will allow optimisation of current chemical control methods and assist in managing insecticide resistance.
• To provide information of value for the development of long-term alternatives to chemical control, such as biological control and area-wide management.

Background

Helicoverpa is a major insect pest, particularly of cotton and grain crops. Most populations of H. armigera in northern New South Wales and Queensland have developed resistance of the pyrethroid insecticides and their management by chemical means has become difficult and expensive for growers. If levels of resistance continue to increase at current rates, pyrethroid insecticides will no longer be effective, and alternative chemical control options will be considerably more expensive.

This project was part of a larger project jointly funded by GRDC, CRDC, CSIRO, University of Queensland, University of New England and QDPI.

Research

The population dynamics and migration patterns of Helicoverpa spp. were monitored throughout areas of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and the Northern Territory (including remote inland areas), using a well established network of sixty pheromone and light traps serviced by a wide range of paid and voluntary operators. Catches were recorded and analysed weekly at the University of New England. On the basis of these accumulated data, forecasts were made in the spring as to the likely severity of outbreaks occurring during the summer (I.E. for crops such as cotton, sorghum, etc.)

Outcome

• The prospects for routine forecasting of early-season infestations are good.
• The spring influx of H. punctigera extends across state boundaries.
• Forecasts of the magnitude of early-season infestations are potentially valuable to growers, pesticide manufacturers/suppliers and pest controllers.
• The size of the benefit to potential users is uncertain.

Implications

• An operational forecasting service would require its own staff and facilities.
• The cost of providing a service of the desired magnitude and quality for both eastern and western Australia is estimated to be about $600,000/year.
• Costs could not be recouped by selling the forecasts to individual users because The information cannot be kept confidential.
• Further research is needed to refine and validate the forecasts, but the Corporations involved to date are not prepared to continue funding the project.
• It is unlikely that a commercial forecasting service will be established.

RIRDC Project No: DAQ-102A

RESEARCHER: Dr David Murray

ORGANISATION: QLD Department of Primary Industries

PHONE: 076 31 4200

PUBLICATIONS:

Gregg, P.C., Fitt, G.P., Zalucki, M.P. and Murray, D.A.H. (in press). Insect migration in an arid continent. II. Helicoverpa spp. in eastern Australia. In 'Insect' Migration: Physical Factors and Physiological Mechanisms'. (Eds V.A. Drake and A.G. Gatehouse.) Cambridge University Press: Cambridge

Zalucki, M.P., Murray, D.A.H., Gregg, P.C., Fitt, G.P., Twine, P.H. and Jones, C. (1994) Ecology of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and H. punctigera (Wallengren) in the inland of Australian: Larval sampling and host plant relationships during winter and spring. Australian Journal of Zoology 42:329-346.

Last updated: 10 October 1996
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