Preferred presentation format: Poster

Department of Primary Industries, Victoria,

lucy.breen@dpi.vic.gov.au

Native Budworm (Helicoverpa punctigera) is an Australian native caterpillar that can cause significant damage to pulse and canola crops, affecting grain quality and ultimately affecting grower returns. Monitoring Native Budworm from flowering to early podding in these crops assists in predicting when damage is likely to occur.

Budworm Watch is an innovative grower co-operative program established by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in the 1990s. Participating growers across Victoria carry out on-farm moth monitoring. DPI Budworm Watch program coordinators collate moth count, larvae developmental stage and weather pattern information and analyse the data using the computer program ‘DARABUG’.

Budworm Watch information is utilised to produce Budworm Bulletins which are electronically distributed to growers and agribusiness on a weekly basis free of charge. The bulletins increase awareness of seasonal moth flights, caterpillar development and control measures for participating regions. The bulletin is a powerful tool in educating growers and agribusiness about Native Budworm so they can make confident informed decisions to prevent mistimed or unnecessary spray applications.

The success of the program has been the direct involvement of growers at a local level, leading to a sense of ownership, willingness to learn and ultimately modification to spraying practices. The coordinated approach between agribusiness, government and growers has allowed practical straightforward advice on Native Budworm at a busy time of the cropping season when decisions have to be made quickly.

The future of this program is promising with steady participation each year and a potential for the program to monitor other insects.

Key Learning Points

• Participatory learning
• Information continuity
• Practice change