Heliothine caterpillars and silverleaf whitefly (SLW) are the major pests of field crops in central Queensland (CQ). Helicoverpa has been the primary focus of cotton insect pest managmenet since the inception of the CQ industry in the ‘70s. SLW is a recent introduction to the mixed cropping systems of CQ. Both pests are serious threats to cotton.

Although the advent of Bollgard II Bt cotton varieties has largely relegated Helicoverpa to minor pest status, the continuing threat to cotton from this pest stems from its ability to develop resistance to the technology. SLW is a major threat to the cotton and grains industries. The excretion of sugary ‘honey dew’ by nymphal and adult SLW feeding on the underside of cotton leaves can make the lint sticky and unmarketable. Large populations of SLW can totally destroy susceptible legumes (eg, soybean) and sunflower plants.