Protect the crop.
Outsmart the pressure.
SmartBug Horti partners with Australia's leading growers to build robust, data-led crop protection programs — 40 years of field expertise, applied as practical Integrated Pest Management.
Independent advice.
Measurable results.
We work independently of large chemical and IPM sales companies. Every recommendation is built around your crop and the viability of your business.
Data-led decisions
High-level crop monitoring turns observation into action. We track pest and beneficial populations so programs are driven by what's actually happening in your crop — not the calendar.
The right tool for the job
Deep technical command of both soft production systems and traditional chemistry. We target the biological weak point of each pest to stop resistance before it starts.
Seamless biological integration
Decentralised access to beneficials means biological tools slot cleanly into your rotation — resilient, low-residue programs that protect plant vigour and market access.
Observation driven.
Tailored execution.
There's no one-size-fits-all in horticulture. Every farm gets a program built around its crop, its pressure, and its goals — a unique blend of tools working seamlessly together. That's practical IPM.
- 01
Monitor & diagnose
Regular, high-fidelity crop scouting to identify pest and disease pressure and beneficial activity early.
- 02
Design the program
A robust, rotation-based plan selecting the best tools available — soft, biological, or conventional.
- 03
Implement & support
Practical, on-farm guidance plus phone, email and text support whenever pressure spikes.
- 04
Review & refine
We track outcomes and adapt — cutting unnecessary chemical use, crop loss, and resistance over time.
Built for high-pressure horticulture
The plant protection team at SmartBug Horti is focused on high-pressure horticulture — the crops and seasons where pest and disease loads are most relentless. For 20+ years we've overcome them using a deep toolkit of strategies and tactics, with Integrated Pest Management at the core.
That experience has exposed us to a wide range of successful pest and disease management tactics, agricultural products — both biological and chemical — and emerging technologies in the field. We bring that knowledge to every program we build.
We advise, develop and maintain specialised plant protection IPM systems for a broad range of clients across the industry.
Specialist growers, agronomists and scientists · grower managers and family farms · small and large companies and corporations · government, research and plant-breeding programs · and wider industry bodies.
End-to-end crop protection
From routine monitoring to crisis response — the independent technical oversight growers rely on through the toughest seasons.
Crop monitoring & scouting
Scheduled specialist visits with detailed reporting on pest, disease and beneficial populations.
IPM program design
Tailored, season-long protection programs blending biological, soft and conventional tools.
Beneficial insect strategy
Selection, introduction and protection of beneficials for resilient biological control.
Resistance management
Rotation planning that targets pest weak points and preserves chemistry efficacy.
On-call technical support
Direct access to your advisor by phone, email or text when pressure spikes.
Staff training & biosecurity
Building confidence and capability in your team for better long-term outcomes.
Nutrition support
Crop nutrition and plant-health programs that build vigour, resilience and yield alongside your pest and disease management.
A data engine behind every decision
Decades of field knowledge combined with predictive analytics — historical and live data turned into earlier, sharper calls on pest and disease pressure.
Patterns, surfaced
Identifying trends in pest and beneficial populations from combined historical and present data streams.
Ahead of the season
Anticipating pressure before it peaks, so programs stay one step ahead — not one week behind.
Sharper calls
High-fidelity accuracy that empowers our specialists to enhance and validate every crop protection decision.
Specialists in intensive horticulture
Crop-specific programs that push the boundaries of yield, quality and plant health.
Berries
High-value, high-pressure production with tight market-residue requirements. Includes our advanced berry nutrition program for premium yield and quality.
Flowers
Protecting quality and presentation in cut-flower and ornamental crops. Includes our advanced cut-flower nutrition program.
Nurseries
Complex, multi-variety operations — many species and lines, each with its own pests, diseases and tolerances. We keep stock clean and resilient with strong biosecurity and IPM tuned across the full range.
Protected cropping
The unique pest and disease dynamics of glasshouse and tunnel systems.
Advanced nutrition
Advanced berry and cut-flower nutrition programs that fine-tune plant nutrition for premium yield, quality and shelf-life.
Read our Summer Strawberry Study →"We don't believe in one-size-fits-all. Every farm requires a tailored blend of tools working seamlessly together — that's IPM."
Malcolm & Angus — SmartBug HortiTrusted by leading growers and agronomists
"SmartBug are my most important insurance policy. I don't need them until I do. They take ownership of any problems and assist in every way possible. They provide education and confidence to my staff — they are integral to our business."
"Malcolm and his team provide thorough agronomic advice and visit monthly through our peak periods. Their knowledge on pests and predators is excellent and chemical recommendations are on point and up to date — always taking into account the practicality of implementation and best practice."
"SmartBug have been consulting our nursery for multiple years and have been pivotal to maintaining a working IPM. With their high level of knowledge on both pest and disease they've helped us deal with many issues. We'd recommend their services to any grower."
"We started using SmartBug Horti more than 10 years ago and have learnt more about pests, diseases, beneficial insects and chemicals than I ever thought possible. The savings from reduced chemical use and crop loss — and the improvement in plant quality — has had a profound positive impact on our business."
"SmartBug Horti have exceeded my expectations in every way — incredibly knowledgeable, responsive and professional. Malcolm, Angus and the team's experience and commitment to excellence are genuinely exceptional, and QPF feels grateful to work with them."
Frequently asked
What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
IPM combines regular crop monitoring, beneficial insects, biological products, and targeted soft and conventional chemistry into one coordinated program. Instead of spraying by the calendar, decisions are driven by what's actually happening in your crop — reducing chemical use, resistance and crop loss while protecting plant vigour.
Which regions do you service?
Our crop monitoring specialists and advisors regularly service South-East Queensland, the Granite Belt, Northern NSW and Tasmania, plus New Zealand. For other regions, get in touch — we support several growers remotely and travel for specialist programs.
How often will you visit our farm?
We visit farms on a weekly, fortnightly, monthly or scheduled basis. Between visits you have direct access to your advisor by phone, email or text for urgent calls.
Which crops do you specialise in?
Intensive horticulture: berries, cut flowers and ornamentals, production nurseries, and protected cropping systems. We build crop-specific programs for each.
Let's build your crop protection program.
Book a consultation with our specialists and find out how practical IPM can lift your yield, quality and resilience this season.