Research to realisation: the challenging path for novel pest management products in Australia

Abstract

In this Overview, we explore the linkages between basic research and the commercial development of novel pest management products in Australia. Despite the large volume of research in fundamental and applied aspects of entomology, very few new pest management products are developed and commercialised in Australia. Reasons for this include demanding and expensive regulatory requirements which (as in many other countries) mean that commercial development is the province of large multinational agrochemical companies. We describe the Australian regulatory system and the opportunities and difficulties it can present, using examples from recently registered Australian products, Magnet ® moth attractant and the MOOV ® range of insect repellents. The science behind these products is described in a series of papers in this issue of Australian Journal of Entomology. We also explore some of the commercial imperatives in novel product development, and aspects of the interactions between researchers and commercial partners. Finally, we discuss potential advantages of Australia as a locale for commercial development of novel products.

Proof of concept for a novel insecticide bioassay based on sugar feeding by adult Aedes aegypti (Stegomyia aegypti)

“…Also, solvents such as acetone used in the bottle bioassay may not be readily available in some countries, as it is often used to produce illegal drugs and may not be obtained easily (Perea et al ., 2009). Our novel feeding‐based bioassay compensates for some of the drawbacks of other resistance detection assays, such as cost, transportability and disposability; factors critical to ensure that newly developed technologies are accepted by the user (Gregg et al ., 2010). For our sugar‐insecticide feeding bioassay prototype, the materials for 20 replicate cups, including lids, white foam discs (feeding platform) and plastic caplets (reservoir for insecticide‐sugar solution), are estimated to cost $1.25 or $0.06 apiece on average.…”

Reviews published by Austral Entomology

“…; Gregg et al . ; McColl et al . ; Barton and Terblanche ), molecular biology (DNA barcoding, molecular clock) (Mitchell ; Glatz and Kent ; Ho and Lo ; Glatz ), community ecology (Kitching ), behavioural ecology, evolution and genetics (eusociality, kin selection, sexual selection, genital evolution, climate specialists) (Crozier ; Hoffmann ; Simmons ), taxonomy and systematics (digital revolution, relationships of insect orders) (Yeates ; Yeates et al .…”

Development of Clitoria ternatea as a biopesticide for cotton pest management: assessment of product effect on Helicoverpa spp. and their natural enemies

“…Behaviour‐modifying chemicals can improve control and management of Helicoverpa spp. (Mensah, ; Del Soccorro et al., ; Del Soccorro & Gregg, ; Grundy et al., ; Gregg et al., ,b; Mensah et al., , ) on cotton crops without causing significant negative impact on beneficial insects. Novel non‐synthetic chemical and natural pest control tools are required to support integrated pest management (IPM) programs in both transgenic and non‐transgenic cotton crops.…”