Have you heard about native vegetation insectaries? Want to attract more beneficial insects to your crops to better manage pests?
On-farm insectaries are areas of flowering plants that attract and maintain beneficial insect populations by providing shelter from highly disturbed crop areas as well as alternative food sources, namely pollen and nectar.
The goal of on-farm insectaries is to enhance diversity and abundance of beneficial insects on your farm to build resilience, particularly against seasonal variations and pest incursions.
This webinar explains how you can manage your fields and surrounding landscape for beneficial insects, including the benefits of planting native vegetation.
Speakers and presentation slides:
- Geoff Gurr, Charles Sturt University: Overview of project VG16062 which helped vegetable growers develop practical approaches to control pests through field and landscape management that support beneficial insects
- Karen Thomas, Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority: Key considerations when developing native vegetation insectaries on your farm, including variety selection and design
- Stephen Moore, E.E. Muir & Sons: Update on plantings in Werribee South, Victoria.
Additional resources
- Native vegetation insectaries – permanent habitat for beneficial insects
- Boosting beneficials in your vegetable crop
- How does the surrounding landscape affect beneficials on your farm?
- Farm biodiversity plan template
- Indigenous plant nurseries of Greater Melbourne
- Werribee South plant list
This webinar was delivered as part of VegNET Victoria – Northern, Western and South Eastern. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.
