Description
Australia’s almond industry, valued at around AUD $1 billion, is threatened by two destructive insect pests that damage the almond kernel: Carpophilus truncatus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) and Apomyelois (=Ectomyelois) ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Presence of unharvested nuts (mummy nuts) in orchards is positively related to higher numbers of these pests and crop damage. A two-year field study was conducted to determine the spatial distribution and prevalence of these pests in almond orchards and their relationship to mummy nuts and crop damage. Targeting mummy nuts with orchard hygiene practices is expected to reduce pest damage. Modified trapping systems are being developed for both pests as timely and accurate monitoring is critical for pest management. Field trials evaluating the response of adult carob moth to ten different coloured delta traps showed that clear traps were twice as effective as any of the coloured traps in trapping male moths, and that black traps were more effective for female moths. Pheromones and fungal odour attractants for the beetle have been identified and successfully tested in the field. These results will help almond growers monitor pest infestations more effectively.| Period | 18 Jul 2022 |
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| Held at | ICE 2022 Helsinki, Finland, Finland |
| Degree of Recognition | International |