Prospects for habitat management to suppress vegetable pests in Australia

Habitat management is an ecologically based approach to suppress pest densities, utilising properties of non-crop vegetation improve the impact natural enemies or directly affect behaviour. Research in this has escalated dramatically century, extending uptake some crops, but adoption Australia been lower than overseas. Here, we address need Australian vegetable sector reduce reliance on insecticides by assessing scope for habitat brassica (Brassicaceae), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) (Asteraceae), capsicum (Capsicum annuum) (Solanaceae), carrot (Daucus carota) (Apiaceae), French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) (Fabaceae) and sweetcorn (Zea mays) (Poaceae) crops. Each crop major economic importance, together, they represent contrasting botanical families production systems that are associated with different arthropod complexes. We review studies provision shelter, nectar, alternative prey pollen (top-down effects) changing behaviour (bottom-up through intercropping trap The likely utility these approaches under conditions assessed, recommendations made promote adaptive research. Nectar- pollen-providing plants, such as alyssum (Lobularia maritima) offer strong potential multiple crops whilst especially yellow rocket (Barbarea have more targeted against diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), most serious brassicas. Opportunities intercrops banker plant species also identified. Our serve a platform researchers farmer-led help realise full systems.