Black Earth recently acquired a Mobile phone microscope x60 to assist in identification of pests and we have not been disappointed with the results. The photos of Cotton Aphids in this article where taken using the scope and an iPhone 6 while still in the field. There is some difficulty in steadying the phone long enough to focus properly but with a little patience some good shots are to be had.
The scope should be especially helpful when Mite infestations occur, especially when attempting to determine if the Mite is of the two spotted variety. There have been some Mite present in the cotton on the Darling Downs this season but I haven't been able to find any new infestations for the microscope to do it's work.
Expect a number of posts on Black Earth's Twitter and Facebook accounts over the next few months showing a variety of field pests and predators in detail.
