The phrase 'crop protection toolbox' is becoming increasingly used these days. It refers to the range of options that go towards providing a sustainable integrated pest management program. As you know we are strong supporters of biocontrol programs, but sometimes pesticides have to be used. In Australia, over the past decade, the development in biocontrol agents has greatly improved, but there are too few compatible pesticides in the toolbox. This relates strongly to the current archaic and complex system for registration/legal use of both new and existing pesticides in an industry where most crops fall under the definition of minor use crops. However, there may be light at the end of this tunnel and this is our story this month.
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