Insect pests affecting rambutan production in Australia have been identified in a study that will reduce reliance on pesticides in the expanding exotic tropical fruit industry.

Rambutan is a large tropical evergreen tree native to Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra in South East Asia. Rambutan trees produce a fruit very popular throughout Asia, with a increasing market in Australia. An estimated 600 tonnes of rambutan are produced in Australia each year, with a value of around $4.5 million. Japan is a major market for Australian rambutan exports.

Until recently little has been known about pests associated with rambutans in Australia. As the industry gets larger, so too does income loss by growers from market rejection and yield decline of rambutan fruit due to pest damage.

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) is working with the tropical fruit industry to develop an integrated pest management system for Australian rambutans.

The research has identified which animals cause damage, and which animals are beneficial to rambutan orchards. Pests include various moth species (including the yellow peach moth), mealybugs, swarming leaf beetles, mites, some thrips, and fruit spotting bugs. Beneficial species include predatory spiders, beetles and other insects; these prey on and control pest species.

As part of the project a pest monitoring kit for growers was developed and released at a series of workshops.

A range of insecticides were screened and eight were selected because of their good environmental profiles and unique modes of action and suitability for managing insecticide resistance.

The project has also identified a number of priority areas for future research for effective pest management for rambutans. These include developing effective biological control for pests, such as predators, parasites and diseases affecting pests; using pheromones and kairomones for pest baiting or breeding control; and using cultural practices to attract the natural enemies of pests.

“Rambutan and other exotic tropical and subtropical fruits are making an increasingly important economic contribution to Australia’s northern regions,” said RIRDC Managing Director Peter O’Brien.

“This research will assist the industry to become ever more profitable and sustainable,” he said.

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation is a partnership between the Australian Government and industry to fund and manage priority research across three key areas – new rural industries, selected established industries, and national rural issues.

“Through innovation Australia’s emerging industries—like the exotic tropical fruits industry—are continuously growing more productive,” Dr O’Brien said.

The research report, Rambutan – Development of Integrated Pest Management, is available from RIRDC – visit www.rirdc.gov.au or phone 02 6272 4819 for more information.

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Media enquiries:
Martin Field – RIRDC Public Affairs Manager – tel - 02 6272 4735, email - martin.field@rirdc.gov.au