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 their own 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
Bagging fruits Online Information Service for Non-Chemical Pest Management in the Tropics (OISAT)
To net or not to net Download a PDF report on netting against birds, bats and insects from this page. Qld DPI
Pruning (as an aspect of pest & disease management)
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
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)
| 
