Entomological Society of NSW Online Seminar Series

The Entomological Society of NSW Online Seminar Series presents Dr Saleh Adnan, speaking on "Beyond the Crop: How Surrounding Landscapes Shape Native Pest Activity".

Dr Saleh Adnan is a Research Entomologist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) based on Wollongbar station. He leads and contributes to research on integrated pest management (IPM) for major horticultural pests, with projects spanning Macadamia, Rubus, avocado. His research interests include biological control, behavioural approach, pest surveillance, and sustainable pest management. Prior to joining NSW DPIRD, he held research positions with DPIRD Western Australia and Macquarie University, where he worked on nationally significant Queensland fruit fly and fall armyworm research programs.

Abstract

Effective integrated pest management (IPM) requires a broader understanding of pest ecology beyond commercial farms. While considerable attention has been given to crop-based management, the role of surrounding vegetation in sustaining pest populations and driving infestations into commercial production systems remains not well understood. This seminar will present recent research investigating how landscape composition, seasonal climate, and host plant availability influence the population dynamics of two major native horticultural pests in Eastern Australia: Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) and Macadamia nut borer (Cryptophlebia ombrodelta). Using extensive field monitoring across commercial orchards and adjacent vegetation, the study reveals distinct seasonal and spatial patterns in pest abundance. Results demonstrate that surrounding vegetation can act as an important reservoir for pest populations. The seminar will also examine how crop phenology influences the abundance of pests and discuss ongoing efforts to develop landscape-based predictive models that integrate host susceptibility and seasonal climate to improve pest forecasting. The findings highlight the importance of considering the wider agricultural landscape when designing sustainable IPM strategies and demonstrate how ecological knowledge can support more informed, proactive pest management decisions.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/415390351142867?p=66tRI1AAHRhjgt6Da6

Meeting ID: 415 390 351 142 867

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