Use of entomopathogenic nematodes in China to control chive midges

Project ID:

CS2/1995/132

Collaborating Countries:

China

Commissioned Organisation:

CSIRO Entomology, Australia

Project Leader

Dr Robin Bedding
Phone: 02 6 246 4292
Fax: 02 6 246 4000
Email: robinb@ento.csiro.au

Collaborating Institutions:

Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Zhongshan University, China

Project Budget:

$89,067

Project Duration:

01/07/2000 - 30/06/2001

Project Extension:

01/07/2001 - 30/06/2002

ACIAR Research Program Manager

Dr Paul Ferrar

Project Background and Objectives

Pests such as rice stem borers (Scirpophaga spp. and Chilo spp.) and chive midges (Bradysia spp.) threaten important crops in China. This project aims to use nematodes to control rice stem borers and chive midges as a commercial alternative to chemical insecticides. The research will build on work where nematodes were successfully used to control apple moths and street tree borers in northern China. The scientists will select strains of the nematode, Steinernema feltiae and search for other species that are capable of attacking these pests. They will then conduct field trials on rice and chives in China and Australia.

Project Outcomes

Outcomes for this project are currently being prepared