Central Queensland advisors and grain growers can access specialist advice on the effective management of grain crop pests like heliothis, thrips and pod borer when two of Australia's leading entomologists visit Moura and Emerald next month.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Principal Entomologist Dr Melina Miles and DAFF Senior Entomologist Hugh Brier will lead discussions on key management recommendations for heliothis in corn, sorghum and chickpeas; pod borer, thrips, mirids and vegetative damage in mungbeans; whitefly and mealybug during two insect pest management workshops.

Supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the workshops are practical and will include a morning session of interactive discussion on a variety of pest management issues as determined by workshop participants followed by a short field session.

The morning sessions will be held in Moura on February 3 at the Moura Coal and Cattle Hotel from 8:30am to midday and in Emerald on February 4 at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) conference room between 8:30am and midday.  Practical in-field session will follow the morning sessions and will conclude before 3pm each day (weather permitting). Participants should come suitably dressed for in-field activities.

Workshop facilitator John Cameron, ICAN, said regionally important pests and issues would provide the focal point for discussion.

"Indications are that heliothis pressure was high at various stages of crop development in Central Queensland last season, particularly in corn, sorghum and mungbean crops, which posed issues for thresholds and management. So that, along with the management of some other specific pest species, will be a key area of discussion during the workshops," Mr Cameron said.

Participants will receive a first class resource kit including Fact Sheets, Ute Guides course notes and presentations.

The cost of the workshops is $50 per person GST inclusive and catering is provided.

For online registration and payment visit http://www.icanrural.com.au/ipm.html or call John Cameron or Erica McKay on 02 9482 4930. Email enquiries can be directed to erica@icanrural.com.au.

ENDS

Caption: Helicoverpa - a pest of all Australian grain crops. Photo supplied by DAFF.

Contact

Sarah Jeffrey, Senior Consultant Cox Inall Communications
0418 152859
sarahj@coxinall.com.au

GRDC Project Code DAQ00179

Region North

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