However, the microphotography of predators, parasitoids and prey will be a major selling point of the production to schools etc. I certainly feel there is a need for ...
J. Ausr. ent. Soc., 1990, 2 9 190
190
VIDEO REVIEW Best friends: natural enemies. Department of Primary Industries, Qld: Brisbane 1990. As25.00 There is little doubt that the videocassette is becoming a major communication medium for all aspects of human endeavour including entomology. Video is a powerful tool which can be attractively packaged to present information in an appealing and interesting way. It clearly has an important place in the effective extension of entomological research and will undoubtedly receive greater use in the future. “Best friends: Natural enemies” is a professionally produced video commissioned by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) to promote the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The successful management of citrus pests using IPM tactics at Mundubbera in the Central Burnett region, is used as an example. The video is aimed at a broad audience and is therefore not an in-depth manualtype information guide on how to use IPM tactics in specific situations. It is essentially a starting point in the campaign to educate the general public, as well as farmers, that there are better ways of protecting our crops against insect pests than simply throwing chemicals at them. The strong environmental concerns held by the populace in general these days makes the message of “Best Friends: Natural enemies” a very marketable commodity. I believe it has already received good exposure on television and it is ideal for use in the classroom. The professional quality of the production is striking and will undoubtedly enhance its appeal to a wide audience. At 16 minutes in length it is fairly brief, however this is probably appropriate considering the target audience. The ‘plot’ revolves around the co-ordinated approach adopted by growers, QDPl and a private consultant (Dan Papacek) to manage citrus pests with minimal chemical intervention. Following a general introduction to the subject with footage of citrus and previous spraying practices, Elaine Brough takes us on a microscopic inspection of natural enemies performing their duty on the bad guys of the video, the pests! This footage is truly exceptional with stunning photography of Aphytis lingnunensis parasitising red scale, Crypfolaemus ladybirds feeding on mealybugs and the introduced Leptomastix dactylopii parasitising mealybugs. This segment is on a par with high quality natural history documentaries and should fascinate most people. The next section concerns the practical aspects of IPM implementation and begins with Dan Smith, entomologist with QDPI, talking about the beginnings of IPM in Mundubbera. Dan Papacek emphasises the role of monitoring in successful IPM and we see shots of rearing and releasing parasitoids. Impressive figures are also presented detailing the cost savings that can be made by using IPM. A grower is questioned on his experiences with IPM and gives the “thumbs up” to the system. The latter part of the video emphasises the co-operation between grower, government and consultant and the benefits of IPM to people and the environment. Mention to an average member of the public that an exotic insect is to be introduced to Australia for control of a noxious pest and you can guarantee that cane toads will enter the conversation. The footage of Elaine Brough explaining why another “cane toad disaster” will not occur is therefore timely.
I have few criticisms, although there are some technical inaccuracies such as the use of the term ‘predator’ when referring to parasitoids. I also noticed the alleged Aphytis wasps in one shot were in fact Leptomastix. Aiming for a broad audience has created some disjointedness in the production with the spell-binding natural history sequence seeming overlong in a way, when considering the overall “message” of IPM. However, the microphotography of predators, parasitoids and prey will be a major selling point of the production to schools etc. I certainly feel there is a need for a ptactical instruction type video(s) detailing aspects of IPM for different insects and situations. This would be of particular value to growers who could use it as a continual reference source. Overall, “Best friends: Natural enemies” is an impressive vehicle for the dissemination and promotion of the IPM concept. The professional economic entomologist will increasingly be expected to demonstrate the value of hidher research and this videocassette is a fine example of the way entomological research can be brought into the public arena.
DAVIDG. JAMES Yanco Agricultural Institute N S W Agriculture and Fisheries Yanco, N.S. W . 2703
