The purpose of my visit was to attend the conference in Auckland New Zealand. At the conference I presented a paper entitled: “The IPM of mirids in Australian cotton: understanding why and when pest managers spray for mirids” which was based on research undertaken in the “Mirid Predation” project (CRC number: 1.10.01). I also talked to other researchers about my current work in the refuge project, particularly mate choice by Helicoverpa.

As I am hosting the ASSAB conference in April 2010 in Narrabri, the second purpose of my visit was to prepare for the Narrabri conference through meetings with organisers of the Auckland conference and ASSAB council members. I also advertised the Narrabri conference by giving a short presentation designed to encourage delegates to attend the Conference in Narrabri.