IPM - Insects, Weeds and Diseases

An integrated approach for disease, pests and weed management incorporates a range of management decisions and resources to reduce disease, pest, weed outbreaks and reduce the reliance on herbicide and insecticide inputs.

Integrated disease, pest and weed management involves taking a whole year approach as cropping decisions made in the autumn and winter can impact subsequent management during the summer.

An integrated approach will maintain the farm's profitability, reduce the risk of insecticide and herbicide resistance and minimise risks to human health and the environment. It should be noted myBMP IPM, Biosecuirty and Sustainable Natural Landscape modules all complement each other and are in complete alignment:

  • The Biosecuirty myBMP module is part of an integrated farming system and cotton growers are in the front line for early detection and immediate reporting of suspect insect, weeds and disease on farm.
  • The Sustainable Natural Landscape myBMP module focuses on managing natural assets on the non-cropping areas of the farm. This includes actions to preserve and enhance habitat for beneficials, which is an integral part of myBMP.

The key issues addressed in this module include:

  • Crop monitoring for disease and reporting of unusual plant symptoms to Exotic Plant Pest Hotline - 1800 084 881
  • Details for good integrated disease management practice at planting, crop and post-harvest
  • Details for preferred farm hygiene (Come Clean Go Clean) to minimise spread of pests, weeds and disease onto and off your farm
  • Importance of adherence to terms and conditions for Bollgard II® Resistance Management Plan, Roundup Ready Flex® and Liberty Link®
    crop management plans
  • How pest control decisions are to be based on pest and beneficials correctly sampled and identified, adherence to the Insecticide resistance Management Strategy (IRMS) and impact on beneficials and bees
  • Importance of correctly identify weeds and monitor weeds after herbicide applications
  • Weed control decisions are based on weed species/growth stage Herbicide Resistance Management Strategy (HRMS) and rotating herbicide modes of action
  • How to practice good integrated weed management for the whole farm, ensuring that multiple weed control methods are used in crop, fallow, rotations, and non-crop areas to manage weed burdens and herbicide resistance
  • Management of volunteer and ratoon cotton plants through the year in crop and non-cropping areas