More Links
You might find additional information on particular plants on the page dealing with that plant or group. For a menu, go to PlantsNB: In the case of major brands of garden chemicals, also try checking the company websites for more information on specific products
Some common types of pests & diseases
Fruit Fly
Aphids
Scale
Mealybugs
Mites
Mites University of Florida
Twospotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae) Center for Integrated Pest Management, North Carolina State University
Spider Mites Washington State University Clark County Extension
Thrips
Lace Bugs
For Azalea Lace, Bug, go to the Azaleas page
Nematodes
Whiteflies
Whitefly Department of Agriculture Western Australia
Whiteflies Cornell University Cooperative Extension (PDF)
Root rots and other soil-borne diseases
Powdery Mildew
Weeds
Weeds section of the Qld Dept of Primary Industries website dealing with weeds, including information on declared weeds
Other
Cutworms Cornell University Cooperative Extension (PDF)
Management and treatments
General
Cultural methods
Pruning (as an aspect of pest & disease management)
Online Information Service for Non-Chemical Pest Management in the Tropics (OISAT)
Physical barriers
Netting Information on how to net trees safely with respect to wildlife, from Bat Conservation & Rescue Qld. Inc.
To net or not to net Download a PDF report on netting against birds, bats and insects from this page. Qld DPI
Bagging fruits Online Information Service for Non-Chemical Pest Management in the Tropics (OISAT)
Beneficial Organisms
Companion planting, Trap crops, Allelopathy
Other treatments
Remember, read the label carefully and always follow the directions. The following links are intended as background information only, as legally permissable formulations, application rates, withholding periods and so forth may vary from one jurisdiction to another and are constantly being reviewed.
Insecticides Some general information concerning the types of insecticides from University of Sydney
The Myth of Curative Kelp Can seaweed extracts reduce disease and improve stress resistance of landscape plants? Washington State University (PDF) Cornell University
Responsible Chemical Use
You might find more information regarding specific plants by checking the page dealing with that group. List of Plants
Older News
New fire ant incursion thwarted
A nest of fire ants in crated mining equipment imported from Houston, Texas has hopefully been prevented from turning into a new fire ant outbreak. Biosecurity Queensland has praised the detection and prompt reporting of the suspect ants by vigilant employees of a Roma mining company. The nest was quickly dealt with and will be followed up with preventative bait treatments and an investigation. The equipment was due to be shipped to Perth. Source: Quick notification saves potential fire ant threat to Roma (November 2011)
Madeira vine biocontrol program underway
A beetle from South America has been released in various locations in SEQld as a biocontrol against Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia). Biosecurity Queensland says that it's been tested on 37 related plant species without damage. Results from the first release are promising, and more releases are planned in infested areas over the next two years. Source: Small beetle to control a big problem (November 2011)
Caution advised with "non invasive" cultivars
U.S. researchers warn that some plant cultivars being promoted as "non-invasive" could still spread if they retain the ability to produce some viable seed. Apart from the total number of seed that could be produced over the life of a long-lived species, the offspring could be more prolific, especially if they result from crossing with other cultivars or relatives. The researchers suggest that population growth rate and the likelihood of a plant breeding true from seed be considered when assessing invasiveness, unless it can be proven to be completely sterile. Media release: "Non-invasive" cultivar? Buyer beware.
(October 2011)
Myrtle rust detected in North Qld again
The disease has been detected in nurseries in Cairns and Townsville. Source: North Queensland residents on call after myrtle rust detection (August 2011)
CSIRO unzips plant virus mystery
Insight into how plant viruses can target their hosts so specifically has been gained in Australian research. It has been found that genes held in a satellite particle must match genes in the plant for Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) for infection to occur. Complimentary sections "zip" together, interrupting the normal functioning of the plant gene. CMV interferes with a gene involved in chlorophyll synthesis, hence the symptoms of yellowing. Searching for matching DNA sequences may help scientists pinpoint the mechanism of other plant virus diseases and lead to ways to engineer resistance into plants. Source: Major breakthrough on how viruses infect plants (July 2011)
Beetles battle weeds
Research in the UK confirms that seed predation by beetles reduces weeds in farmland, especially grass weeds. Conserving biodiversity, possibly by leaving an area of field as a "beetle bank" in this case, may help reduce herbicide use and deal with the problem of herbicide resitance. Source: Beetles play an important role in reducing weeds (July 2011)
Sprays can be counterproductive
A German study of sprayed and unsprayed Triticale (a wheat x rye cross) has shown applying insecticides to prevent aphids had a short-term effect, but after four weeks treated fields had more aphids than the untreated ones. It is possible that the spray killed beneficial insects, or they left after the intial aphid kill deprived them of food. Source: Fewer aphids in organic crop fields (July 2011)
Ginger could be new weapon against fruit fly
With chemicals dimethoate and fenthion under review by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, researchers at the Queensland University of Technology are looking for alternative ways to control Queensland fruit fly. One potenial method involves using an extract of ginger called zingerone to lure male fruit flies into traps. Source: Qld fruit fly scientists in race against time (June 2011)
Updated Weed ID book for S. Queensland
Published by the Weed Society of Queensland, the updated "Weeds of Southern Queensland" is available from Southern Downs Regional Council offices. More informatiion: Get your hands on free updated weed identification book (June 2011)
Fire ants in Lockyer Valley
The first detection of a fire ant nest in the Lockyer Valley has occurred in Mulgowie (Prompt response to fire ant find to protect Lockyer Valley food bowl) Residents of the region are urged to be vigilent and report any suspect ants. More information at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
A new wave in weed control
Australian research is working towards a weed-killing device that uses microwaves instead of chemicals. Energy could be focused on individual plants, making it potenially useful for spot-treament. It would not be affected by wind or rain or leave herbicide residue. Unfortunately, the amount of energy used is relatively high, and making the system more energy-efficient will be one of the aims of future research. More information from the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation: Microwaves to cook away weeds (June 2011)
Mrytle rust in Roma Street Parklands
Brisbane residents are being asked to look out for the rust as the number of sightings increases through the region. The curator of Roma Street Parklands assures visitors that appropriate action has been taken after rust was found on a single plant. (Be on the lookout for myrtle rust in Brisbane May 2011) However, Biosecurity Queensland advise that anyone who does come into contact with myrtle rust should clean clothing and shoes to avoid spreading the disease. More information and advice at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au.
Natural disease suppression a complex process
Scientists from Dutch and American laboratories have found 17 microorganisms working together in soil from a sugar beet field that suppresses the root pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. This relationship, discovered with the help of DNA technology, is much more complex than found in past studies of disease-suppressive soils. The plant also plays its part by releasing food for the microbes through its roots. Source: It Takes a Community of Soil Microbes to Protect Plants From Disease (May 2011)
Where did those pesky fire ants come from?
Genetic research indicates that recent invasions of fire ants in Australia, New Zealand and Asia started in the United States, even though the pest is native to South America. It established in the U.S. in the 1930s. Scientists hope that improved knowledge of the ants' lineage will help them identify effective biocontrol agents. Source: UF study traces global red imported fire ant invasions to southern US
(February 2011)
Myrtle Rust in Cairns
The disease has been found in a retail nursery in Cairns, but not before several plants from the same consignment had already been sold. Media release: Myrtle rust confirmed in Cairns nursery (23 February, 2011)
Myrtle Rust spreads in Qld
According to the 16th February update, MR has been confirmed on 34 sites including private residences. For more information go to www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
Myrtle Rust reaches Sunshine Coast
Infected plants have been found in a park at Noosaville. Media release: Myrtle rust confirmed in parkland in Queensland (8th February 2011).
ALERT: Myrtle Rust found in SE QLD
First found in Australia in NSW last year, the disease has recently been identified in three plant nurseries in Qld (Myrtle rust confirmed in South East Queensland, 05 January, 2011). Appropriate measures have been taken to contain the infections, but other nurseries are urged to monitor plants. Members of the plant family Myrtaceae, which includes Callistemon and Syzygium, are hosts or potential host of this disease and anyone who has recently purchased such a plant from from a nursery in SE Qld should also check for symptoms. More information and images at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au. Report any suspect plants to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
Gums should recover from caterpillar outbreak
Agri-Science Queensland has assured residents of the Boonah, Beaudesert, Lockyer Valley and Brisbane/Esk Valley regions that local gum trees attacked by a recent outbreak of caterpillars will recover. The gum leaf skeletoniser (Uraba lugens) can leave trees with a "bronzed" or "scorched" appearence. The large numbers have probably resulted from the weather conditions this winter and spring. Hotter temperatures should see numbers decrease. In the meantime, residents should avoid contact with the caterpillars, which can cause skin irritation. More from the DEEDI here: Caterpillar culprit of gum tree 'bronzing' (December, 2010)
Myrtle Rust a threat to Australian favourites
Uredo rangelii is a rust fungus that attacks the plant family Myrtaceae. It's been detected in NSW and is of great concern given the prevalence of this family in the Australian flora. Plants on which the rust have been detected so far include members of Callistemon, Syzygium, Leptospermum and Austromyrtus. Strict quarantine measures have been implemented in order to contain the outbreak. Nurseries, gardeners and florists should take care that sourcing and movement of plant material complies with regulations, and be on the lookout for signs of rust infection on myrtaceous plants in their area. Photos, information and updates available at the Myrtle Rust website (NSW Department of Primary Industries). See also Myrtle Rust National Management Group (Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Myrtle rust (Qld Department of Environment and Resource Management) or check with the relevant department in your state or territory (September 2010)
Three species of ornamental ginger declared weeds in Queensland
Media release from Tim Mulherin (Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland) here: Three Gingers banned in Queensland.
Yellow ginger (Hedychium flavescens) is now a Class 1 weed
White ginger (Hedychium coronarium) is now a Class 3 weed
Kahili ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum) is now a Class 3 weed
All are now illegal to sell or trade in Qld, while landowners who have yellow ginger on their properties must eradicate it. More information on declared weeds in Qld, the classification system and your obligations at the Biosecurity Queensland website. (November 2010)
The dingo may be forestry's best friend
Researchers at Curtin University of Technology and Chemistry Centre WA may have found a new way to help protect reforestation areas from kangarros, wallabies and possums - fresh dingo urine. Presumably warning the animals that a predator is nearby (aged urine had no effect), the active chemicals could be used to develop wildlife-friendly deterrents and alternatives to the controversial 1080 poison used by the logging industry in Tasmania. Unfortunately for gardeners, trials suggested that the Brushtail Possum may be less susceptible than the other marsupials studied. More information Curtin University of Technology here: Dingo urine offers humane solution to kangaroo cull (June 2008)
Blow-up man at work in Sydney's Botanic Gardens
An air-powered windsock is being used in Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens to deter flying foxes from roosting in vulnerable trees. The "inflatable man" is a temporary measure until the animals can be relocated. While there is no intention to stop the animals feeding, roosting has proven to be a big problem. Some of the trees that have already been damaged are the among the oldest and most significant in the Gardens. More from Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney, available here. (July 2008)
Canada gets greener
With residential use already banned in many Canadian municipalities, retail chain The Home Depot® has decided to phase out "traditional" pesticides in all its Canadian stores. This includes fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and slug baits. More environmentally friendly alternatives will compliment the range of other "green" products and programs offerrd by the company. Media release here: Home Depot Canada Voluntarily Phases Out Pesticides Across Canada and Provides Consumers Over 50 Options in Natural Lawn Care (April 2008)
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