The iMapPESTS team recently deployed mobile surveillance unit, Sentinel 6 (pictured) to Bowen in Queensland’s Whitsunday region, where it is monitoring high priority pests and diseases for vegetables, such as thrips and aphids.

In collaboration with Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), the sentinel will monitor pest populations over the growing season, with regular updates shared with growers and consultants to enhance crop protection.

Monitoring these targets offers insight to the vegetable production in North Queensland and how disease pressure is tracking in relation to environmental conditions.

The iMapPESTS: Sentinel Surveillance for Agriculture (ST16010) 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 Shakira Johnson (Engagement & Adoption for iMapPESTS) at shakira.johnson@ausveg.com.au or visit the website, imappests.com.au.

Watch the video below to learn more about the iMapPESTS Sentinels.