Media Release

Northern Territory Government

Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade NT Government launches biosecurity education resource for schools

29 July 2024

The Northern Territory Government has introduced a new biosecurity educational resource designed for primary school classrooms across the Territory.

Developed by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s Plant Biosecurity team and adapted by the Department of Education, this innovative resource will be delivered to students in Year 4, 5, and 6 science classes.

Students will learn about biosecurity controls and gain insights into the 'Miraculous ladybird,' Cryptolaemus, an Australian native ladybird that helps manage the infestation of Papaya mealybug in the region. These ladybirds are efficient predators, consuming between 30 to 70 mealybugs daily and feeding on all life stages of the mealybug and other soft scale insects.

Through interactive activities, scientific references, lifecycles, and identification exercises, this resource aims to inspire students and encourage them to pursue science in the future. Additionally, it seeks to educate the Territory’s future scientists, gardeners, and horticulturists on plant biosecurity and motivate them to conduct their own investigations at home.

The Papaya mealybug has spread across several suburbs in Darwin and the rural area, affecting frangipani, papaya, and hibiscus trees. The infestation causes stunted and deformed new growth, leaf yellowing, leaf curl, and early fruit drop. In response, the Plant Biosecurity team has implemented a range of surveillance activities since the initial detection, including placing sticky traps in trees to collect samples, releasing Cryptolaemus ladybirds, and conducting ongoing site visits across Darwin.

Starting today, teachers will have access to the biosecurity resource, allowing schools to incorporate it into their learning plans for Term 3 and 4.

For more information, contact [stem.doe@education.nt.gov.au].

Quotes attributable to Principal Entomologist, Brian Thistleton:

“Magic happens when agencies work together to develop innovative and contextualized learning materials for NT schools. Most children will have seen these bugs in their yards and are now armed with information to identify and help manage the outbreak across Darwin.”

“It is pleasing to see biosecurity and education come together to engage kids in learning – inspiring future gardeners and horticulturists to pursue a career or interest in science for years to come.”

Quotes attributable to Stuart Park Primary School Acting Principal, Leisha Crompton:

“The students at Stuart Park Primary School have seen firsthand the effect of the Papaya mealybug on our frangipani garden.”

“It is wonderful to see the Plant Biosecurity Team and the Education Department working together to develop an engaging educational resource that teaches children how to identify and combat this invasive pest.”

Photo 1: Year 5 student Cassidy Moyd, Year 6 student Oliver Brown, Year 6 student Nethum Hettiarachchi and Year 6 student Grace Adeite of Stuart Park Primary School with Entomologist Sachthini Kithulgoda.

Photo 2: Principal Entomologist, Brian Thistleton showing Stuart Park Primary staff the resource.

ENDS.

Media contact: 0428 052 647

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