Spider mite populations in cotton have been of concern to growers and consultants in a number of regions resulting in widespread treatment for control of mites.
This resulted in concerns from the Ag Chemical supply chain during December that mite control options for cotton could become very limited.
The TIMS Committee supported Syngenta's initiative to supply additional Affirm to address the mite treatment window prior to the commencement of Pegasus use.
The TIMS Troubleshooting Panel has extended the Mectin use window in the Cotton IRMS by one month for each regional Insecticide Resistance Management Strategy.
(Note: the Affirm and Abamectin use windows vary slightly - please add one month to the published IRMS dates for both groups)
The Affirm IRMS windows will now close on the following dates;
- Central Queensland - Feb. 15th
- Downs, Balonne, Macintyre, Gwydir, Namoi, Bourke - March 1st
- Macquarie, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, Tandou - March 1st
The industry is somewhat fortunate that there has not been significant selection pressure on mites in recent years. However, the impact of high mite numbers of this season will be reflected in resistance frequencies in the future so consultants need to remain aware of the options to alternate various mite control options as per the Cotton IRMS. If possible growers should also try to limit the total number of mectins insecticides to three per field or at least rotate with an alternate product group for the control of mites.
The TIMS Committee also provided a letter of support for a proposed APVMA Paramite aerial application permit application by Sumitimo. However, Cotton Australia understands that due to problems regarding availability of supply Sumitimo will not proceed with the permit request.
Cotton growers and consultants are encouraged to correctly identify their mite pests, objectively monitor populations and consider resistance management options when treating threshold populations.
