Australian cotton production relies heavily on insecticides for the control of the major pests, Helicoverpa spp. , mites and sucking insects (Fitt 1994).

The cotton monocultural system in most of the production areas in Australia strongly discriminates against natural enemies and favours the development of pest outbreaks.

The green mirid, Creontiades dilutus (Stal), is one of the key early season pests on cotton in Australia.