Mr Daniel Farrell1, Mr Richard Piper1

1Department Of Agriculture and Fisheries, South Johnstone, Australia

Biography:

Daniel Farrell is an early career technical officer with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF; South Johnstone). He has a shared role assisting the resident Entomologist and Plant Pathologist. Daniel supports both researchers in maintaining field trials, laboratory experiments, data collection, as well as processing and documenting pest and disease samples in project BA21004: Banana Integrated Pest and Disease Management Program. Daniel has worked and gained experience as an insect ecologist in the banana industry for the past five years. Currently, Daniel is also expanding his skills by conducting a Master’s of Research at James Cook University (Cairns), where he completed his undergraduate degrees in Zoology and Ecology. His particular research interests are predator and prey interactions and developing the use of biological control agents in integrated pest management for Australian Agriculture.

Abstract:

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the most important fruit crops worldwide, contributing to global food security and economic growth. However, conventional pest and disease control methods in banana production systems rely on synthetic pesticides, which pose significant environmental and health risks. In recent years, the Australian banana industry has been keen to explore alternative and more sustainable approaches to managing pests and diseases. Biological control agents have emerged as powerful tools in integrated pest management, mitigating negative impacts associated with synthetic pesticides while promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.

This study aimed to investigate the potential efficacy of biological control agents in banana production systems to control damage from the major bunch pests (thrips and caterpillar spp.) under paper bunch covers. Through field trials and laboratory experiments, we evaluated the efficacy of selected predatory mites (Neoseiulus californicus, Typhlodromips montdorensis, Stratioaelaps scimitus, Neoseiulus cucumeris), a predatory pirate bug (Orius tantalus), predatory thrips (Franklinothrips spp.) and green lacewings (Mallada signatus) in suppressing banana pests. The findings were promising, demonstrating the ability of several agents to effectively reduce the incidence and severity of pest damage minimising market rejections.

Overall, this research highlights the untapped potential of biological control agents, revolutionising banana production systems, whilst promoting sustainable agriculture. The successful implementation of biological control agents should reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides and minimise environmental pollution and health risks for farmers and consumers. By presenting our findings, we aim to encourage further research, collaborative partnerships, and adoption of this eco-friendly method within the Australian banana industry.