Summary

This project will develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programme for Thryptomene and Waxflower. The programme will include protocols for regular crop monitoring, and will highlight critical pests and critical times for action. Recommendations will be made for cultural and biological control of known insect pests. The implementation of this IPM Programme will enable any grower of these products in Australia to better manage insect populations in the crop. The resulting reduction in likelihood of insect contamination in export shipments will greatly assist access of Australian flowers into export markets

Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

Proteus Gerber Pty Ltd

Objective Summary

Through development and implementation of an IPM programme the number of insect interceptions and corresponding shipment rejections will drop. Increased confidence of USDA in the quality of Australian flowers will reduce the rigorous scrutiny to which they are subjected, and export market access to USA of these and other Australian flowers will improve.