Australia: Why microbats have major benefits for orchards and crops

Published 2024년 11월 4일

Tridge summary

University of Queensland PhD student, Rani Davis, is encouraging macadamia growers to welcome microbats on their properties as these tiny pest controllers can significantly reduce the need for chemical insecticides. Weighing between 4 grams to 100g, microbats are efficient in controlling pests through natural means, including pollination and seed dispersal. Davis is conducting research to confirm that microbats consume the nut borer moth pest by analyzing their scat. She is using harp traps to capture microbats and invites growers who have spotted these beneficial creatures to contact the university.

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Original content

A microbat captured using a harp net at a macadamia orchard near the Glasshouse Mountains. Picture: Supplied Growers with microbats on their property should encourage the tiny airborne pest controllers, as they consumed hundreds of insects and reduced the need for chemical insecticides. All articles from our website & app The digital version of This Week's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox All articles from the other agricultural news sites in your area According to University of Queensland PhD student Rani Davis, microbats could eat significant amounts of pests that threaten macadamia orchards. Queensland Country Life spoke with chiropterologist Miss Davis at AusMac at the national macadamia conference held on the Gold Coast last month. Miss Davis said she had been researching microbats at macadamia orchards located around the Glasshouse Mountains and would soon commence a new study on the Sunshine Coast hinterland. University of Queensland, School of Environment ...

Source: Queenslandcountrylife