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Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
Integrated Pest Management in Peppermint Growing in South East Australia
by Fred BienvenuOctober 2002
RIRDC Publication No 02/127 RIRDC Project No DAV-178A
Two Spotted Mite (TSM) is one of the most difficult horticultural pests to control and constitutes a very significant and real risk to stable commercial peppermint oil production. No integrated pest management protocols have previously been established in Australia to minimise this risk.
The incidence of Two Spotted Mite is increasing annually in commercial peppermint crops in both areas of Victoria and Tasmania. Significant yield loss occurred in 1998/99 and producers have largely attributed this loss to TSM. Under dry conditions high levels of Two Spotted Mite infestation result in excessive leaf loss, particularly lower leaf. This can have adverse effects on oil quality.
IPM studies in peppermint production in the major growing areas of the world have been surveyed.
Liaison with fellow researchers around the world has been established and programs using IPM on US peppermint crops were reviewed.
The most common insects/mites in local peppermint fields in 2000/01 have been identified. This study was a one-year project established to identify whether there was a realistic opportunity to establish a successful IPM program in Australian peppermint crops.
The predator Phytoseiulus persimilis for Two Spotted Mite control was released into Victorian peppermint crops and its impact on TSM studied over time.
Reductions in Two Spotted Mite populations attributable to Phytoseiulus persimilis have been observed. Follow-up monitoring has shown that populations of Phytoseiulus persimilis have been able to over-winter in the two major peppermint production areas in Victoria.
Procedures for the sampling and monitoring of Two Spotted Mite and the predator Phytoseiulus persimilis populations have been successfully established.
This project has established that there is potential to introduce a successful IPM program for use in Australian peppermint crops. Successful implementation of the outcomes of this work could result in less pesticide usage, less environmental impact, less damage from pests and higher profits for peppermint producers.
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