Unlocking Industry Views for Effective Redlegged Earth Mite Resistance Management

Insecticide resistance is a growing threat to global food security, with several major pests in Australian broad-acre systems already showing high resistance levels. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can reduce insecticide reliance and slow resistance evolution, yet adoption remains low. Using the redlegged earth mite (Halotydeus destructor, RLEM) as a case study, we examined how knowledge gaps and risk attitudes influence insecticide use and broader pest management. An online survey of grain growers and advisors in RLEM-affected regions revealed that, despite widespread resistance to synthetic pyrethroids and organophosphates, and most respondents identifying with an IPM mindset, these insecticides remain frequently used. Advisors demonstrated greater overall knowledge than growers, but substantial gaps persisted across both groups, including awareness of field resistance and familiarity with national resistance management guidelines. Risk aversion showed a stronger and more consistent influence on management decisions than knowledge, shaping both growers’ and advisors’ recommendations. These findings highlight demographic and attitudinal factors that can undermine resistance management. While centred on RLEM, the behavioural drivers identified here likely influence pest control decisions across a range of pest species and farming systems.