The iMapPESTS team has recently deployed mobile surveillance unit, Sentinel 4 (pictured) to Horsham where it is monitoring high priority pests and diseases, such as aphids and Sclerotinia, which affect both grains and vegetables.

The sentinel surveillance will run through to December with regular updates on how priority pest and disease populations are tracking over the season.

Monitoring these targets offers insight to the vegetable production regions further south of what pests are on the move, and how disease pressure is tracking in relation to environmental conditions.

In addition to providing valuable information on pests and diseases, iMapPESTS will be sharing snapshots on the diversity of insects around this monitoring site, focusing on the presence of beneficial insects. Results from the monitoring activities will be shared through the iMapPESTS website.

This project is supported by Hort Innovation through funding from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment as part of its Rural R&D for Profit Program and funding from 16 partner organisations.

For more information, please contact iMapPESTS Engagement and Adoption Coordinator Shakira Johnson on 0433 937 564 or shakira.johnson@ausveg.com.au, or visit the website.