Complementing management with biological agents - Aimee McKinnon
Aimee is a research scientist for Agriculture Victoria in the Microbial Sciences, Pests, and Diseases (MSPD) group. With expertise in microbial-based biopesticides (biorationals) for use in integrated pest and disease management (IPDM), Aimee’s research focuses on understanding how microbial agents work to control insect pests and pathogens when applied to growing systems, with the broader aim to determine synergistic management practices, and to optimise the delivery of biological control agents. Since 2022, Aimee has been reviewing and evaluating prospective biopesticide agents and formulations for their efficacy to control key pests and diseases of commercial mushrooms in Australia, with a focus on mushroom flies and the pathogens that they may vector.
Investigating non-synthetic ‘biorationals’ for pest and disease control
Disclaimer: This webinar contains mention of some products which are not registered with the APVMA, have not all been tested for use in mushrooms and therefore may not be suitable for mushroom growing. The information presented is for educational purposes only.
Dr Aimee McKinnon (Agriculture Victoria) is a research scientist leading the Hort Innovation funded project MU22000: Non-synthetic alternatives to complement pest and disease management practices in mushrooms.
The objective of the research is to review and evaluate available and potential biorational agents and formulations for their potential to control key pests and diseases of commercial mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus).
In this webinar, Aimee first outlined what biorational agents are, discussed what options are available in Australia, and presented how the experimental research is being conducted to assess novel biorationals for efficacy and compatibility with mushroom growing.
Aimee has expertise working with insect pathogens and with beneficial soil microorganisms for plant health. She has experience in developing molecular diagnostic methods and in biological control of insect pests for IPM.
This webinar was made possible through the Hort Innovation project MU20003: Mushroom industry communications program. It has been funded through the Mushroom research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.
Other Resources
Sustainable pest and disease management
Pest and disease outbreaks pose a risk to any horticultural business, and the Australian mushroom industry is no exception. Outbreaks can result in significant financial losses for the grower, and broader reputational damage to the sector as a whole.
As consumers increasingly demand produce that is clean and green, a sustainable approach to pest and disease management will help protect market access for the industry into the future.
A new Hort Innovation project, led by Dr Aimee McKinnon from Agriculture Victoria, investigates effective alternatives to complement current pest and disease management strategies for the mushroom industry.
Read full article in MushroomLink Issue 4