Improved impact from the use of beneficial natural enemy species in Australian canola systems: challenges and required tools

Abstract

The concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has developed into a practical framework for sustainable pest management and is widely adopted in modern farming systems. Beneficial arthropods (natural enemies, such as predators and parasitoids) have shown potential for use in pest management, leading to observable production benefits. However, using beneficials is perhaps the most challenging IPM component to adopt at scale and in Australian canola systems, adoption remains low. Here we consider the challenges for measuring impact from beneficials in a way that links to production benefits for growers. To get an industry perspective, we surveyed canola growers and their advisors to understand their constraints and priorities for using beneficials for improved pest management. There were few practices to support and conserve beneficials adopted at scale (use of selective insecticides was the most used practice), and significant knowledge gaps about what impacts growers were likely to see if certain practices were to be adopted. Despite these knowledge gaps, canola growers and their advisors aspired towards more active management of beneficials. From our synthesis, we outline the new tools that are needed, designed specifically for beneficials, and present a pathway forward to enable the greater use of beneficials. We suggest that incremental steps are required for proactive transitions rather than whole-system shifts driven by industry crises. © 2026 Commonwealth of Australia. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.