The latest issue of the Journal of Integrated Pest Management features articles on controlling corn earworms, beetles, and other pest management issues. The Research Program for Deployed Warfighter Protection also highlights its accomplishments in developing new public health pesticides and repellent systems.
The Entomological Society of America has elected ten new Fellows, Dr. Charles Vincent and Dr. Jeffrey G. Scott, who have made significant contributions to entomology in research, teaching, extension, or administration. The fellows will be recognized at the ESA's 61st Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.
Maple tree owners can benefit from a new open-access article that provides information on the biology, damage, and management of key pests. The article offers practical integrated pest management (IPM) solutions for each pest, helping to reduce economic and aesthetic value.
Research reveals parasitic wasp Tetrastichus planipennisi populations are increasing and expanding in Michigan, suggesting they will play a critical role in suppressing the invasive EAB. By 2012, rates of parasitism on EAB increased from 1.2% to 21.2%, with 92% of sampled trees hosting wasp broods.
A recent literature review published in Journal of Integrated Pest Management found that complaints about wild turkeys causing crop damage are often exaggerated. The study revealed that while wild turkeys can cause minor damage to certain crops and specialty operations, their impact is typically overstated.
Researchers monitored WNV in California Culex mosquitoes and found that the virus is passed vertically from females to eggs, but with significantly lower rates when transmission occurs from larvae to adults. This loss of infection during larval development remains unclear.
Researchers found that commercial ultrasonic frequency devices did not deter or attract bed bugs, suggesting alternative methods may be more effective. The study's results highlight the importance of understanding bed bug bioacoustics and exploring low-frequency sounds produced by human hosts.
A new study found that nearly half of all retail firewood sold in the US West is infested with live insects. The research highlights the risks of untreated firewood transporting pests and pathogens to uninfested areas. Heat-treating firewood before sale could help mitigate these risks.
The apple flea weevil has reemerged as a significant pest in organic apple orchards, causing up to 90% damage. The authors discuss management options and highlight the need for proven methods in organic production.
Tadpole shrimp have been identified as a new pest of rice production systems in the midsouthern United States. The shrimp feed on rice seedlings and uproot them during foraging, causing water to become muddy and reducing light penetration.
The green stink bug is a significant native species causing cosmetic damage and yield reduction in various crops. The article offers management options, including neonicotinoids, trap cropping, and biological control, to address this pest's impact on integrated pest management systems.
The Entomological Society of America has recognized Dr. Donald A. Rutz, Dr. Kevin Heinz, and Dr. Florence Dunkel with awards for their contributions to extension entomology, horticultural entomology, and teaching respectively. The winners will be honored at the ESA's 60th Annual Meeting in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Entomological Foundation recognizes Dr. Subramanyam for his research on stored-product insects and the Zebra Chip Research Team for their development of techniques to identify and manage the Zebra chip pathogen, leading to sustainable practices in the potato industry.
The Entomological Society of America has selected three new entomologists, Dr. Elizabeth F. Beckmeyer, Dr. Steve Clement, and Dr. Victoria Y. Yokoyama, as Honorary Members for their 20+ years of significant involvement in the Society's affairs. They will be honored at the Awards Ceremony in Knoxville, Tennessee this November.
The Entomological Society of America has elected ten new Fellows for 2012, including Christian Borgemeister and Henry Hagedorn, recognized for their research on biological control and integrated pest management. The ESA International Branch also named Joseph Morse as a Fellow, honored for his work in entomology and systems science.
Researchers found 20 times more brown widows than black widows outside homes, especially in hidden spaces. The authors suggest that homeowners take precautions when handling brown widow webs, but note that their bites are less toxic than black widow bites.
A new species of phorid fly has been discovered, belonging to a family known for 'decapitating' ants. The tiny fly, Euryplatea nanaknihali, is 15 times smaller than a house fly and feeds on the heads of small ant species.
Scientists recommend increasing refuge acreage for Bt corn to slow western corn rootworm resistance and promote integrated pest management. The current 20% refuge requirement may not be sufficient to delay resistance, and doubling the size of refuges could help sustain the success of transgenic corn.
New research published in Journal of Economic Entomology shows consumer products known as bug bombs or foggers to be ineffective against bed bugs. The study found that bed bugs can survive the insecticide mist and hide in protected sites, making it unlikely for them to be exposed.
Scientists at FAO and IAEA developed a larval rearing unit for efficient mosquito mass-rearing, promising to boost the Sterile Insect Technique's effectiveness. The new system maintains water temperature stability and minimizes evaporation, allowing normal larval development and reducing labor costs.
The article suggests that preventative measures are most effective in managing bark beetles, which can be controlled naturally by environmental factors. Maintaining a diversity of healthy tree species and adequate spacing between host trees reduces the likelihood of beetle outbreaks.
A new study found that alternative insecticides can provide equivalent fruit protection to AZM, but with different application timings and strategies. The researchers developed successful strategies incorporating insecticides targeting eggs and larvae for effective codling moth management.
A two-year study found that omnivore dung, including chimpanzee and human dung, is the most attractive to dung beetles. Native Nebraskan dung beetles showed little attraction to bison dung compared to exotic animal dungs.
In Colombia, an integrated pest management (IPM) program for coffee berry borer successfully reduced insect damage and improved quality. The program involved harvesting fewer berries per tree, increasing parchment coffee bean quality, and increasing the proportion of high-quality specialty coffee sold.
Slugs are major crop pests in no-till field crops, with limited management options available. Integrated pest management options, including cultural, biological, and chemical controls, are suggested for common mid-Atlantic slug species.
Gene Kritsky will give the Entomology Founders' Memorial Award lecture at Entomology 2012, honoring Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Dr. Kritsky's research has significantly contributed to understanding periodical cicadas and apiculture.
The ESA Southwestern Branch presented awards to Apurba Barman for his Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award and Rachel Mohr for her PhD Oral Presentation and Poster Presentation. The awardees showcased their research on entomology and its applications in agriculture, forensic science, and livestock management.
Dr. Amanda C. Hodges received the 2012 Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension for her extensive work on plant pest diagnostics, training, and research. Dr. Gregg S. Nuessly was awarded the 2011 Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticultural Entomology for his contributions to research and extension projects on turfgrass pests.
The study found that four of the six most commonly collected beetles were introduced species, suggesting they displaced native species due to available niches or competition. Dynamic and unique dung beetle diversity was observed on each farm, influenced by herd management practices.
The pecan weevil is a major pest of pecans in the southeastern US. Scientists from Oklahoma State University and Texas A&M University describe IPM strategies, including monitoring techniques and primary control methods. Biological control and livestock grazing are also considered for management.
The article provides IPM program recommendations for managing the southern pine beetle, a chronic insect pest in southeastern US pine forests. The beetle has three population phases, and an IPM program should be tailored to each phase, with prevention and restoration being primary concerns during the latent phase.
A recent study examines ash tree removal and pesticide options to minimize urban forest loss due to Emerald Ash Borer infestations. The results show that insecticide treatments retain greater urban forest value, while preemptive removal without replacement is the least expensive option.
A new study suggests that native insect parasitoids in California can suppress the light brown apple moth population, with one species accounting for over 80% of larval parasitism rates. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these natural enemies in controlling the pest's spread.
Invasive crane fly species threaten northeast US sod industry quality and shipment safety. Recommended IPM strategies include monitoring, cultural management, and chemical control to prevent infestations.
A new study published in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management found that an integrated pest management (IPM) program significantly reduced the use of insecticides in University of Florida housing. The program led to a near-total elimination of hydramethylnon and other chemicals.
A new study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology reveals that methionine, a key amino acid essential for human nutrition, is effective against caterpillars threatening the U.S. citrus industry. Methionine disrupts an ion channel controlling nutrient absorption in larvae, leading to their death within two to three days.
The JIPM authors refute Greenpeace's claim that genetically modified corn caused the western bean cutworm to spread. Instead, they cite various ecological and agronomic factors, such as conservation tillage, reduced insecticide use, and climate change, which may have contributed to the WBC's range expansion.
A new study assesses the potential reasons for the continued lack of success in preventing and controlling Lyme disease in the US Northeast. The study identifies critical areas where additional knowledge is needed to improve prevention and control strategies, including host infestation rates, habitat diversity, and human behavior.
Researchers found that caterpillars in Neotropical regions mimic the warning coloration of toxic species for protection. The study reveals that mimicry is a common survival tactic among caterpillars, with some species forming Müllerian mimicry rings to avoid predators.
A new study shows that radiation can effectively sterilize the light brown apple moth (LBAM), an insect pest found in California. The method involves using a 250 Gy irradiation dose on pupae to induce over 95% sterility in females and males, reducing the need for pesticides.
The cereal leaf beetle, introduced in the US in the early 1960s, has rapidly spread across the country, becoming a major pest of oats, barley, and wheat. Current research focuses on developing new information and procedures to encourage growers to adopt integrated pest management approaches.
The Pecan Pest Information Platform for Extension and education (PIPE) provides real-time access to information on pecan integrated pest management. Stakeholders have increased adoption and usage of the resource, with over 41,000 annual visits recorded.
The Entomological Foundation recognizes outstanding contributions to integrated pest management, including the ECB Team Award for areawide suppression of the European Corn Borer. The foundation also awards research grants to postdoctoral scientists working on pest insects, such as Christelle Guédot.
The Entomological Society of America recognizes two entomologists with Distinguished Achievement Awards: Dr. Angela Douglas for her research on insect nutrition and symbiotic microorganisms, and Dr. Michael Parrella for his work on integrated pest management in the floriculture industry.
Thrips infestation in cotton seedlings can lead to significant crop injury, including distortion, malformation, and reduced plant growth. Management practices for thrip infestation are discussed in the article.
The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, is a significant insect pest reducing US soybean yields by $2.4 billion annually. Biological control, host plant resistance, and other factors affecting its populations are reviewed.
The Soybean Rust Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (PIPE) has saved farmers between $209-299 million since its introduction in 2005. The platform relies on accurate and timely monitoring data, weather data, and state-of-the-art information technology to provide essential management decisions.
The Legume Integrated Pest Management Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (ipmPIPE) provides a new option for generating, summarizing, and disseminating real-time pest data. It identifies priority pathogens and insect pests for monitoring and offers management and education tools.
The Entomological Society of America recognizes Marvin K. Harris, Gail E. Kampmeier, Kevin L. Steffey, and two others for their significant contributions to the field of entomology. These honorees have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the society through their service, research, and leadership.
The Entomological Society of America has elected 10 new Fellows for 2011, recognizing their outstanding contributions to entomology. Dr. Susan J. Brown is a leading geneticist who established Tribolium as a model organism for insect development research, while Dr. James Carey is an authority on arthropod demography and invasion biology.