An assessment of the insect and mite
pests and their management in NSW
North Coast nurseries
NY215
John MacDonald
NSW Agriculture
This report is published by the Horticultural Research and
Development Corporation to pass on information
concerning horticultural research and development
undertaken for the Nursery industry.
The research contained in this report was funded by the
Horticultural Research and Development Corporation with
the financial support of the Horticultural Stock &
Nurseries Act.
All expressions of opinion are not to be regarded as
expressing the opinion of the Horticultural Research and
Development Corporation or any authority of the
Australian Government.
The Corporation and the Australian Government accept
no responsibility for any of the opinions or the accuracy
of the information contained in this Report and readers
should rely upon their own inquiries in making decisions
concerning their own interests.
Cover Price $20.00
HRDC ISBN 1 86423 115 7
Published and Distributed by:
Horticultural Research and Development Corporation
Level 6
7 Merriwa Street
Gordon NSW 2072
Telephone:
Fax:
(02) 418 2200
(02) 418 1352
.© Copyright 1996
1.
SUMMARY
Project Summary
(a)
Industry Summary
This project was undertaken to investigate pests and pest management in the NSW North
Coast Nursery Industry, the project was well received and cooperation was encountered
from members of the industry throughout the study.
Previously, perceptions of pests and pest management in nurseries have been extremely
confused which is in keeping with the diversity seen in this industry. The study sought to
clarify many aspects of this subject for a regional industry.
Findings have uncovered a range of pests (22 in total) including several (4) non-arthropod
pests. Pests differed by crop category and there was a range of pest management strategies
used.
A dependence on pesticides was noted and pesticide use was not usually programmed.
Growers have also employed a range of "cultural" control methods to deal with the
problems and so avoid the use of pesticides.
The study demonstrated a limited awareness of biological control and the potential for use
of Integrated Pest Management(IPM) procedures in this industry. The future holds a great
deal for development in this area for this industry.
To summarise, the outcome of the study is a profile of pest management across the
various categories in the nursery industry. Growers expressed reservations about using
chemical pest management and were likely to adopt improved integrated pest management
systems if these systems could be shown to be cost effective and efficacious.
(b)
Technical Summary
An investigation was conducted into pests and pest management in the NSW North Coast
Nursery Industry. The study has provided better understanding of pest management in
North Coast nurseries.
A total of 22 pests were recorded during the survey including 3 mite pests, 15 insects pest
groups and 4 non-arthropod pests. Variation of the type of pests encountered in this
diverse industry was recorded for six designated different crop categories. Priorities for
these pests demonstrated that there were some similarities across categories.
Survey results indicate that the NSW North Coast Nursery Industry is currently dependent
on pesticides for the management of a range of problems. Nursery operators utilised
pesticides strategically rather than on a programmed basis. Cultural pest management
strategies assisted operators in the efficient production of nursery stock without the use of
pesticides. There was an apparent lack of knowledge in areas of biological control that
may have application in this industry.
Information on attitudes, pesticide usage patterns, information sources, equipment and
operational procedures were recorded and are presented in the following report, and should
provide the foundations for planning of future Research & Development in this area.
2.
RECOMMENDATIONS
(a)
Extension/adoption by Industry
Results indicate that there is a lack in biological control information and technologies for
use in an Integrated Pest Management(IPM) system for the crop categories in the
Australian Nursery Industry. As a consequence, the development of IPM pest management
practises is restricted.
Research and development of biological control systems for the nursery industry is
necessary. Market driven "biologicals" (ie biocontrol agents) is an area of considerable
potential. The development of biological strategies will necessitate the development of a
market and demand simultaneously. Development in this manner will ensure reliable
supplies of the biologicals.
(b) Directions for Future Research
The results of the study indicate that there is a need for research to facilitate the
development of IPM programs incorporating major biological control components for the
nursery industry.
Similarly, this development must be accompanied with a program for implementation of
IPM systems under supervision (ie guided transfer).
(c)
Financial/Commercial Benefits
As mentioned, the development of IPM for the Australian Nursery Industry will see the
development of "biological" rearing facilities in accordance with a growing demand for
biological products. An infant industry currently exists in Australia. Development to assist
in the introduction of new biocontrol products, and the accompanying technologies are
already available.
There are commercial opportunities for training (ie for trainers/educators) and for
consultants in IPM. In the developing IPM systems technology transfer from overseas and
trainers or consultants will be required for the training of members of the local industry.
There will be important cost benefits to industry members arising directly from increased
production and quality. Improved marketing is also possible on the basis of the " green
and clean" image that will result with reduced pesticide use.
3.
TECHNICAL REPORT
(a)
Introduction
The nursery industry based on the NSW north coast is said to account for at least 33% of
the State's nursery production with an estimated value of $140 million per annum.
Members of the industry produce a large, diverse range of plant species grown under
conditions varying from hydroponic glasshouses to large scale palm nurseries. Their
nursery produce is marketed throughout Australia in a range of horticultural outlets.
Many insect and mite pests are associated with these enterprises, and as low levels of
damage are unacceptable for the sale of nursery plants, the industry is particularly
vulnerable to economic loss resulting from pest activity. Economic loss often occurs
despite the use of intensive pesticide spray programs which are a major cost to growers.
Program spraying often leads to the unnecessary use of pesticides which in turn will result
in a more rapid development of resistance to these control measures.
However, a clear picture of pest management practices has not been available to address
development of integrated pest management practices for nurseries located on the North
Coast of NSW. Documentation of the pest management practices and pesticide usage
patterns will provide vital information required for the development of effective integrated
pest management (IPM) systems that will alleviate current pest control problems.
A survey of plant nurseries located on the north coast of NSW was proposed to document
pests and pest management in North Coast nurseries. The study results were used to
construct a computer database relating pest and pesticide use with plant host which can be
used to determine future research priorities for injurious insect and mite species in
nurseries of northern NSW.
(b)
Materials and Methods
A pilot study of nurseries in close proximity to Wollongbar was conducted prior to the
commencement of this project. The experience gained from the pilot study was used to
design a regional survey.
The pilot-survey was designed to create a computer database that could record descriptions
of North Coast nurseries, the insect-mite pests, and pest management procedures used to
deal with these problems. The survey was developed to comprise two sections; the
descriptive section (ie. owner, location, type of produce, conditions for production) and the
pest management section (ie. pests, pest management practices, equipment and pesticides
handling and storage). A sample of the database structure is shown in Figure 1. The
survey was designed to be conducted in a face to face interview accompanied by an
examination of produce. Material was collected for laboratory examination. The process
was streamlined by the use of direct entry of data into a database on a notebook computer
which removed the need for data entry at a later date.
As mentioned in the introduction the industry is diverse, particularly in respect to the wide
range of produce. To overcome problems with this diversity, the survey was designed to
examine six categories of plants. These were; Indoor plants, palms, flowering lines, fruit
trees, trees and shrubs, and orchids. Nurseries were placed into categories and analysis
was carried out within, as well as between categories.
The survey was conducted in a "rote" manner to ensure minimal bias through variation
resulting from influence of the investigator. Presentation and delivery were standardised
with questions being asked in the same wording. Where possible, "flash cards" were used
for questions so as to avoid the need for prompting from the investigator. To minimise
variation, all interviews were conducted by the chief investigator.
(c)
Results
Introduction:
When commencing the study, the preparation of a list of production nurseries disclosed
several points of interest. The study was designed to look at pests and pest management
problems in production nurseries. Consequently, there were many retail nurseries that
would not be covered in the study but experience showed that there was a percentage (sot
quantified) of production nurseries that had an associated retail outiet.
The survey was designed to be representative over the geographic range specified in the
project. Nurseries from Taree through to the Far North Coast were surveyed and inland
situations were studied. A total 40 nurseries were surveyed. Numbers of nurseries in the
individual crop categories were Orchids (3), Flowering lines (5), Fruit trees (5), Palms (6),
Indoor (8), and Trees and Shrubs (13). Some nurseries carried a combination of lines and
the survey was then conducted with reference to the dominant category.
Figure l .
Management
mWM
Data f i e l d s
Survey-
for
tiie
Nortti
Coast
Fest/Pes-t
CGAS* ISTORSBRT 3?SST/*B5t MZMS&GBMSKT SDEVET
NORSERY NAMEOWNER NAME
ADDRESS
TGW
CATEGORY CROP
PRODUCTION
INTERNAL
EXTERNAL
POTS
GROOM)
GRAVES*
BENCHES
IRRIGATION
OVERHEAD
DRIP
INLINE
POTTING MIX
BARK
PEAT
SAWDUST
TEMPERATURE. CONTROL
FERTILISER
Figure l cont'd
PEST BSANAGEMENT
CHEMICAL
BIOLOGICAL
OTHER
PROGRAM
WEEKLY
FORTNICHTLY
MONTHLY
REASON {PHILOSOPHY}
TYPE OF PESTS
PESTl
FE&T2
PESTS
FEST4
PESTICIDE!
PESTICIPE2
PESTICIDES
PESTXC3DB4
PESTS
PESTICIDES
X8P08MfcTIC» SOURCE
APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY
TYPE OF SPRAYER USED
BOOM
LISTER
BACKPACK
OTHER
EXPERIENCE
MAINTENANCE
STORAGE OF CHEMICALS
In general, all participants were cooperative and very keen to participate in the survey.
However there were a few operators who were unable to participate.
(a)
Results from the Descriptive Section
This section, as shown in Figure 1, describes the nursery for future reference. It was
designed to provide the basis for improved diagnostic support for operators in this industry
through the provision of a profile of the nursery and its production parameters.
Participants were informed that this section of the database may be used as the basis for
other studies. However, all participants were assured that data contributed in the second
section, the pest management section, would remain confidential.
(b)
Results from the Pest Management Section
(i)
Type of Pest Management Employed
In the first question of this section of the study, the operators were asked to give some
indication of the type of pest management used. In particular, the question was asked do
they use chemical control (ie. pesticides), biological control or other means.
The response to this question showed that nursery operators from all categories (98%)
used chemical control to deal with pest problems. The one exception in their response to
this question was a nursery propagating native rainforest trees who openly voiced a
philosophy of no chemical control depending solely on cultural pest management practises.
The survey disclosed a low level of awareness of biological control in the context of pest
management. The response showed 47% experience (awareness) of biological control, in
particular, knowledge of the use of commercially available predatory mites.
There was enthusiasm about the potential of other biological control agents. 72% of
respondents recorded cultural control practices for pest control. Nursery operators appear
to use pruning in case of shrubs, or the discarding of damaged or infested stock, to solve
their pest problems indirectly. So too, operators had through their own experience
selected plant lines that exhibited fewer problems thus reducing their pest management
problems.
(ii)
Program spraying
95% of respondents indicated that they used a non-scheduled spray program. Two
growers used a scheduled spray program and these were both flowering line growers
indicating a production category requiring most attention for pest management. These
spray programs were designed to fit with the life cycle of the target pest(s) and fitted into
fortnightly schedule.
(iii) Type of pests
The survey recorded 22 pest categories for North Coast nurseries and these categories are
listed in Table 1. Of the 22 categories identified, 4 categories are non-insect or mite. The
pests were ranked in order of priority (see Table 2).
(iv)
Pesticides used for Pest Management
Pesticide usage patterns are presented in Table 3.
(v)
Pest Management "Philosophy"
The survey disclosed that the rationale as to why operators were using their various pest
management practises can be assigned into three groups with a fourth minor category that
seemed to be a secondary concern. These major categories can be described as
environmental awareness, health and cost while the minor category was pesticide
resistance.
The response rate for these categories was;
Environmental awareness
Health
Cost
Pesticide resistance
- 55%
- 12.5%
- 27.5%
- 5%
In recording the results there was a very strong response (virtually 100%) that nursery
operators do not like pesticides but use these measures as they perceive pesticides as a
necessity.
(vi)
Information Source for Pest Management
Seven information sources for pest management for nursery operators were identified.
These sources were NSW Agriculture (through workshops and publications), pesticide
companies, other growers, books, horticultural periodicals (eg. Australian Horticulture or
Nursery News), horticultural training and consultants (s«e Table 4).
(vii) Experience
Nursery operators had in many instances been in the nursery industry for many years. A
maximum of 42 years experience and a minimum of 5 years was recorded. 70% of
growers had more than 15 years experience.
(viii) Spray Equipment
Data on types of spray equipment employed by production nursery operators indicated that
there was a multiplicity of equipment at most nurseries surveyed. Both misters and
backpack sprayers were used at 52.5% of nurseries, but 35% of nurseries surveyed
employed other equipment, in particular, tractors with tanks/spray carts (25%). Other
spray equipment included two boom sprays (5%), one built-in spray system (2.5%) and
one home-made spray system (2.5%).
(ix)
Maintenance of Spray Equipment
Nursery operators were surveyed to record maintenance practises for spray equipment. As
indicated in the section on spray equipment, the type of equipment used for pesticide
application in the nursery industry can be described as low maintenance.
(x)
Storage of Pesticides
Investigation of the method of storage for pesticides demonstrated an awareness of health
and safety issues associated with these toxic materials. In nearly all cases, operators
demonstrated an attempt to restrict access to materials when stored. The only exception to
this statement was observed at the only nursery where no pesticides were used.
Pesticides were stored in two ways, either in a locked shed (62.5%) or in a locked
cupboard (32.5%) while in two cases (5%) nursery operators used pesticides directly from
stock held in their retail nursery.
Table 1.
Pest categories encountered in North Coast Nursery Pest Management
Survey.
Mites
Two Spotted Mite (TSM)
Broad Mite
Cyclamen Mite
Insects
Mealybug
Grasshoppers
Aphids
Caterpillars
Scale Insects (Scales)
Leaf Miners
Scarab Larvae
Whitefly
Fungus Gnats
Psyllids
Ants
Thrips
Leaf Rollers
Flatids
Monolepta beetle
Other
Worms
Snails
Slaters
Slugs
Table 2.
Pest status as perceived by operators in production nurseries on the NSW N
Indoor
Trees and shrubs
Orchids
Flowering lines
Mealybug (1)
TSM (2)
Whitefly (3)
Aphids (4)
Caterpillars (5)
Scales (6)
Worms (7)
Broad Mite (8)
Scarab larvae (9)
Fungus gnats (10)
Grasshoppers (10)
Caterpillars (1)
Scales (2)
Aphids (3)
Mealybug (4)
TSM (5)
Psyllids (6)
Grasshoppers (7)
Leafminers (8)
Worms (9)
Slugs (9)
Monolepta beetle
(9)
Broad Mite (9)
Slaters (10)
Scarab larvae (11)
TSM (1)
Mealybug (2)
Scales (3)
Aphids (4)
Slaters (5)
Caterpillars (1)
Aphids (2)
TSM (3)
Leafrollers (4)
Broadmite (5)
Thrips (5)
Ants (5)
Slugs (6)
Mealybug (7)
* Citrus Leaf Miner and Macadamia Leaf Miner
Table 3. Pesticides used in Pest Management in the North Coast Nurseries.
PEST
PESTICIDE
Mites
Two Spotted Mite
(TSM)
Kelthane
Calibre
Folimat
Omite
Insects
Mealybug
Metasystox
Supracide
Lebaycid
Rogor
Grasshoppers
Carbaryl
Aphids
Maldison
Supracide
Diazinon
Metasystox
Pirimor
Petroleum Spray OUs (PSO's)
Caterpillars
Maldison
Diazinon
Ambush
Carbaryl
Dipel
Mavrik
Endosulfan
Scales
Maldison
PSO's
Diazinon
Rogor
Metasystox
Supracide
Macadamia Leaf Miner
Lebaycid
Whitefly
Diazinon
Supracide
Thrips
Endosulfan
Leaf Rollers
Endosulfan
Monolepta beetle
Carbaryl
Worms
Diazinon
Other
Table 4.
Pest Management Information Sources as recorded in the survey of
nurseries on the NSW North Coast.
Response Category
NSW Agriculture
Pesticide Producers
Other Growers
Books
Horticultural Periodicals
Horticultural Training
Consultants
Response Rate
35%
25%
22.5%
10.25%
30%
32%
5%
(d)
Discussion
(i & ii)
Pest Management & Program Spraying
Results show the North Coast nursery industry to be dependent on chemical pest
management for the range of problems.
The survey results indicate a low level of experience of biological control except for the
use of the predatory mite, Phytosieulus persimilus for the management of TSM. Growers
were enthused about the potential of biocontrol agents. This suggests that there is scope
for education and technology transfer.
The survey did disclose a great deal of "common sense" being employed in pest
management practises. The use of various cultural pest management practises eg pruning,
sanitation, introduction of clean stock, and ultimately the growing of a selected suitable
range of plant lines, explains the success of many nurseries. These nurseries have
effectively minimised pest management inputs by avoiding the pest problems.
In general, the responses did not indicate a high level of sophistication in nursery pest
management. Monitoring was "adhoc" and the "integration" of pest management into a
program was not often evident. Rather, pest management depended on the use of, or the
availability of, a suitable solution (usually chemical) if the problem arose. The North
Coast Nursery industry is receptive to the development of IPM pest management systems.
(iii) The Pests
The results indicate that the pest management problems are diverse in accordance with the
diversity of the products of this industry. However, the insect pests fall into several groups
that include the mites, the defoliators(ie caterpillars, grasshoppers etc), sucking bugs, leaf
miners(Citrus Leaf miner and Macadamia Leaf Miner), soil pests(scarab larvae & fungus
gnats) and indirect pests ie ants which differ in their priority in the different nursery
categories.
However, some similarity was observed between different crop categories in the survey.
Similar pest rankings were found for palms and indoor plants with mealybug, Two Spotted
Mite (TSM) and sucking bugs occurring in both categories. Defoliators (caterpillars),
sucking bugs and TSM were important pests in the trees and shrubs and flowering line
sections. Orchid pests and fruit tree pests were different in that it was dominated by the
leaf miners and soil pests. Accordingly, pest management strategies for the different
nursery categories would be expected.
(iv) Pesticides
Most insecticides used in the nursery industry are commercial products which can be best
described as broad spectrum. These insecticides fall into the synthetic pyrethroid,
carbamate and organophosphate groups with the mention of one biocide (Dipel) and
Petroleum Spray Oils (PSO's) also used. One other insecticide Pirimor, a specific
carbamate aphidicide, was recorded.
The registered status of the recorded pesticide usages indicates that there are problems
with unregistered use of chemicals for specific pests. Under the NSW registration system
operators are using pesticides that are registered, or permitted for use on ornamentals but
in many cases the use pattern does not comply with the designated use pattern under
which they are available. The broad spectrum nature of the pesticides encountered in
responses in the survey are used because they are cost effective and work. Use of specific
pesticides for control of certain pests is not common.
The diversity of crops in the ornamental industry make it extremely difficult for any
company to register pesticides so as to cover the widest possible range of applications.
(v) Pest Management Philosophy
There was an extremely strong concern about pesticides and their use shown in the
nursery operators philosophy towards pest management. All operators expressed
reservations about using chemical pest management but saw it as a necessity in most
instances to continue their business. The single "biodynamic" producer (who produced
rainforest trees) saw pest damage and loss to pests as part of his production system which
could be coped with in light of the specialist nature of the enterprise.
In general, the responses reflected a strong environmental awareness which was
complemented in many cases by concerns for health. Some observers would say that this
is in keeping with the attitudes of the NSW North Coast nursery industry. Pesticide costs
were recorded as concern in a considerable number of interviews (27.5%). It would appear
that operators would adopt other pest management strategies if they were shown to be
effective against the target pest and available at comparable cost. It is in this sense that
PSO's and biocides in conjunction with innundative release of "biologicals" (ie an IPM
system) may hold great attraction for operators in the industry.
(vi) Information Source
NSW Agriculture was used predominantly for information while pesticide distributors
ranked second. The industry appears to depend heavily on published information with
40% of respondents using books and periodicals. The periodicals, in particular Australian
Horticulture and Nursery News (which were often named in the response), play an
important role in the transfer of pest management information and technology.
Horticultural training was also important.
Growers reported that they would use consultants if they were available.
(vii)
Experience levels
70% of respondents had in the industry greater than 15 years experience. This augers well
for future development of the industry.
(viii) Spray Equipment
The survey disclosed that the nursery industry is in many instances (52.5% response for
both categories) dependent on back or mister spray systems which reflects the scale of
operations for the nurseries rather than indicating the size of pest management problems.
There were many operators who have pesticide application equipment to complement their
tractors but this is often used for disease management (ie used for the application of
fungicides). There were "home-made" sprayers, and in one instance, an in-line spray
application system recorded.
Equipment is generally simple in construction allowing easy service when failures or
breakdown occurs.
(ix)
Maintenance
In nearly all cases, operators cleaned equipment after use. "Farm Chemical User Courses"
may assist in improving application technology in the future.
(x)
Storage of Chemicals
The responses to storage of pesticides indicated a great deal of understanding of the need
for responsible attitudes in restricting access to these materials. In many instances the
volume of pesticide(s) was minimal but measures were still taken to ensure provision of
adequate storage.