Novel biosafe IPM strategies to manage pesticide resistance in pollen beetles

2016

Current cropping systems require several insecticide sprays annually, mainly to control the pollen beetle.

The beetle has evolved resistance throughout Europe to the only insecticide class widely available, pyrethroids. In line with the call objectives, we propose to go beyond the traditional resistance management programs, which rely on the continuous discovery and registration of new insecticides and new modes of action. We propose to develop novel, safe, sustainable , and economically feasible strategies, where only seldom is a need to resort to insecticide spraying. This will ease the selection pressure on the pest, and prolong the efficacy of the available insecticides. The project will provide a set of cascading alternatives for pollen beetle control. The basic new tool is simple (change in tillage regimes) and ready to be taken up, after appropriate applied research. Together with revised and dynamic thresholds and improved forecasting and monitoring tools, growers will be able to radically reduce insecticide use, with all associated economic and environmental benefits. Novel safe and precise control tools will help growers to manage occasional pest population peaks, even without insecticides. The key components of the proposed work include: (i) Cropping system buffering against pest outbreaks via innovative biological control, (ii) Development of forecasting and monitoring methods, and revised dynamic treatment thresholds; (iii) Targeted precision biocontrol for delivery of novel biocontrol products; and (iv) Development of RNA interference methods for Meligethes aeneus control. These are new, effective, non-toxic, and selective/biosafe approaches, to control the pest, and to avoid problems with pesticide resistance. The main beneficiaries of the results to be obtained are the oilseed rape growers in Europe.

Udfører/hovedansøger Aarhus Universitet
Øvrige samarbejdspartnere Aarhus Universitet
Projektets samlede budget DKK 989.280,00
Bevillingsstørrelse tildelt DKK 889.661,00