[CRC for Plant Biosecurity: 30 Nov 2009] Australian researchers are studying genetic codes to learn how insects like the lesser grain borer are developing resistance to the world’s most widely used grain fumigant – phosphine. With the harvest safely stored, grain growers often take a moment to relax; but not so the scientists involved in a national research effort to keep stored grain safe from feasting insects and to maintain Australia’s hard-earned reputation as a supplier of clean, pest-free grain. Stored grain insects are a constant threat to grain exports – worth some $7 billion each year to the national economy.Australia offers overseas grain buyers a ‘zero tolerance’ benchmark for insect infestation and this is a key element in Australia’s international competitiveness. However, the capacity for insects to evolve their way around the limited number of environmentally safe fumigants available poses a constant challenge – one that is now being tackled by the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for National Plant Biosecurity.
Photo by: Chris Freebairn, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries
