In orchards with predators present, two to four fewer applications per season and reduced monitoring costs benefit growers and the environment. Howard Thistlewood at PMRC surveyed natural enemies, photographed these minute predators, and identified factors critical for their survival. Extension staff promoted conservation to growers. Next his research centred on the predatory mite, Amblyseius fallacis . Gene flow and dispersal information is being incorporated into practical guidelines for use of predators.
Most insecticides used for the protection of crops target the insect nervous system.
In-depth knowledge of the physiology and biochemistry of the insect has the potential of providing more selective and safer insect control chemicals. Dr. Alvin Starratt identified the chemical structure of this pentapeptide. Since this neuropeptide acts at very low concentrations on insect muscle, including gut, oviduct and heart, and apparently not on mammalian muscle, proctolin receptors have attracted considerable interest as targets for insecticide design. Another class of insect peptides, the myosuppressins, inhibits the action of proctolin. Studies, in collaboration with Drs.