THE IMPACT OF BLACK BEETLE AND BLACK FIELD CRICKET ON NORTHLAND PASTURES

Abstract

Black beetle (Heteronychus arator) and black field cricket (Teleogryllus commodus) may attack pastures in Northland, particularly in dry years. No appreciable pasture production responses to controlling black beetle with insecticides have been measured. In contrast, significant production increases have been obtained from controlling crickets. Crickets can be readily assessed using a simple flushing technique. Effective and economx control can be achieved using maldison grain baits. Drought or black beetle have been wrongly blamed for cricket damage. It is therefore important to correctly identify pest problems so that control measures can be successfully carried out. Keywords: black beetle, black field cricket, damage, control.