New Tamworth lab to strengthen pest resistance research

Construction is underway on a new $1.2 million research laboratory in Tamworth aimed at improving the management of insect pests affecting NSW agriculture.

The facility will investigate resistance in major pests of grains, cotton and horticulture, including fall armyworm, aphids, thrips, mirids and spider mites.

NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty says the laboratory will give researchers modern facilities to provide growers with practical information to protect crops and maintain productivity.

The facility will be led by entomologist Dr Lisa Bird and three technicians, with research to examine insect resistance to agricultural chemicals, emerging threats and more sustainable approaches to pest management.

The laboratory will also undertake resistance testing for fall armyworm and large-scale surveillance to identify control failures and emerging risks. The NSW Government says the research will help growers make more targeted pest management decisions and support preparedness for new pest threats.