Commissioned by Horticulture Innovation Australia using multiple industry levies and funds from the Australian Government, with co-investment and delivery by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), Fruitspotting Bugs 2016 is packed with forty pages of valuable information.

Horticulture Innovation Australia chief executive officer, John Lloyd, said the guide is the culmination of five years of research by the NSW DPI with input from the macadamia, avocado, papaya, lychee, custard apple and passionfruit industries. “This guide includes a great depth of information based on new research which provides a better understanding of factors such as Fruitspotting Bug lifecycles, the development of new and targeted chemicals and improved monitoring techniques. It is a unique resource that takes into account the behaviours of the pest in key Australian growing areas.”

Fruitspotting Bug is a major pest to tree fruit and nut crop types, and some vine fruit crops, through the coastal and sub-coastal areas of tropical and sub-tropical Australia.

It causes major damage and predominantly manifests as spots or cracks on fruit, or as splits, water-soaked marks or wilting in vegetative crops.

Lead researcher DPI Entomologist, Dr Ruth Huwer, said, “It was very interesting and a great challenge to lead such a complex and multi-disciplinary research project. The fruitspotting bug management guide brings together a summary of the research and provides practical applications for growers.”

The guide includes information on:

• The appearance, feeding behaviours and lifecycle of the bug;
• How to be Fruitspotting Bug ready, including what to look for and how to monitor crops;
• Management techniques including traps, chemicals, biological and cultural controls, and area-wide management.

The Fruitspotting Bugs 2016 handbook is available here.