Black beetle: lessons from the past and options for the future

Abstract

An outbreak of the pasture insect pest black beetle began in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty in 2007/8 and has persisted. The extent and severity of damage caused by black beetle during the current outbreak has focused farmer and researcher attention on methods to maintain persistent pasture now and in future outbreaks. This paper reviews previous research in combination with data from the current outbreak and relates these to current pasture management practice. The possibility of being able to predict the distribution, occurrence and duration of black beetle outbreaks is explored while actual and potential means of controlling black beetle are outlined. We conclude that there are methods available to successfully renew pastures in the presence of black beetle but that outbreak situations increase risks and may limit subsequent pasture persistence. There are fewer readily available options to maintain an existing pasture and more research is urgently needed to provide these options. Keywords: Heteronychus arator, paspalum, pasture, pasture renewal, pest resistance, pest tolerance, ryegrass