Articles tagged with Biocontrol
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Researchers at the University of Vermont have developed granular formulations of insect-killing fungi that effectively killed up to 98% of winter tick larvae under laboratory conditions. The findings provide proof of concept for a safe and effective management strategy to protect moose from the devastating impact of winter ticks.
A CABI-led study reveals that the success of Classical Biological Control in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East is often dependent on factors like target pest, host plant, and release circumstances. The research highlights the need to consider these additional factors to increase the success of biological control introductions.
A new fungus strain, developed by Washington State University researchers, has shown promise in controlling varroa mites that harm honey bees. The fungus, Metarhizium, can survive in warm environments common in honey bee hives and kill mites without harming the bees.
Researchers at the University of Seville are studying the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) in bacteria like Pseudomonas putida to develop biocontrol agents for sustainable agriculture. The T6SS is a molecular weapon that allows bacteria to quickly eliminate competitors and protect plants from diseases.
A 13-year study in Florida found that biological controls significantly reduced the size of new paperbark tree populations after wildfires. The treatments helped to slow growth and inhibit reproduction, allowing land managers to prioritize removing large trees.
Researchers have identified 1,600 genes related to stable fly reproduction, which could lead to new biological controls. The study's findings have huge economic implications from tourism to agriculture, with estimated annual losses of $2.2 billion.
A recent CABI study has updated the list of potential biopesticide active ingredients for managing fall armyworm in Africa, with 41 products now registered across 30 countries. The review highlights the efficacy of eight additional biological control agents, including Aspergillus oryzae and thyme oil.
A new study reveals that a natural enemy of the Asian fruit fly Drosphila suzukii is actually a complex of at least two cryptic species. Only one parasitoid, from one genetic group, has been found to be suitable as a biological control agent against the pest.
Research by University of Queensland-led team finds biological control techniques saving farmers $20.1 billion to $26.8 billion annually in Asia-Pacific region. Biological control helps regulate invasive pest threats, particularly in key crops like banana, breadfruit and coconut.
Researchers discovered that biological control agents can substantially reduce SDS pathogen growth and promote soybean defense. Trichoderma isolates interact with roots and activate plant genes to fend off pathogens, providing a sustainable tool for managing yield losses.
Scientists estimate nature-based solutions for agricultural pest control deliver $14.6-19.5 billion annually across 23 countries. Non-chemical crop protection (biological control) outperforms traditional Green Revolution methods, promoting rural growth and prosperity.
Researchers found that Hawaiian tiger cowries are voracious predators of alien sponges, eating half their body weight weekly. The study suggests that cowries could help control invasive species, saving the state time and money.
A new CABI-led study suggests that governments should reallocate subsidies to encourage the use of lower-risk control options like biopesticides. The research also emphasizes the importance of enforcing pesticide regulations and mass media campaigns to inform farmers about recommended pesticides and sustainable management options.
A new biocontrol agent, Dactylopius opuntiae 'stricta' biotype, has been found to be the most cost-effective method for controlling the invasive Opuntia stricta in Laikipia County, Kenya. This approach has shown significant reduction in the number of cladodes, flowers, and fruit of affected plants.
A new aflatoxin biocontrol product has been developed for use in Senegal, reducing contamination in groundnut and maize crops. The product, Aflasafe SN01, includes four atoxigenic isolates native to Senegal and is highly effective in hot, drought-prone areas.
The discovery of Puccinia abrupta var. partheniicola, or winter rust, provides a second natural enemy to combat parthenium, which is aggressively spreading and causing severe harm to humans and livestock. The presence of this biological control could significantly reduce biomass and seed production of the weed.
New research has identified three parasitoid species that could help control the fall armyworm, with potential for use in Integrated Pest Management plans. The study suggests Chelonus bifoveolatus, Coccygidum luteum, and Telenomus remus as viable biological control agents, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic insecticides.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers identifies optimal locations and timing for releasing samurai wasps to control the brown marmorated stink bug, which devastates gardens and crops. The wasps lay eggs inside stink bug eggs, preventing hatching and reducing pest damage.
A new study shows that using safe, native strains of Aspergillus flavus can be as effective, or even more effective, than commercial strains in reducing aflatoxin levels in corn crops. Native strains may perform better due to their adaptation to soil type and weather conditions.
Researchers have confirmed the presence of Telenomus remus, an egg parasitoid that could be a vital tool in fighting fall armyworm in Africa. The species has been shown to provide full control of fall armyworm with an 80-100 percent parasitism rate.
A non-native species of wasp, the samurai wasp, has been identified in British Columbia, Canada, prior to formal approval for its introduction. The wasp is a natural parasitoid of the brown marmorated stink bug, a globally spreading agricultural pest native to Asia.
A study reveals that introducing a parasitic wasp to control the cassava mealybug can reduce crop losses, restore farm profitability, and slow deforestation. The approach provides a sustainable solution for tackling invasive species, promoting biodiversity conservation and profitable farming.
Scientists discovered Trissolcus japonicus, a parasitoid wasp, in European apple orchards, which could help control the invasive brown marmorated stink bug. The wasp was found to be highly effective in reducing stink bug densities below economic thresholds.
Researchers discovered that the western corn rootworm sequesters and activates plant toxins to evade nematode attacks. This strategy makes biological control methods ineffective, leaving farmers with limited options.
Researchers have identified a novel mechanism by which beneficial microbes produce plant hormones to control plant diseases. The study found that bacteria can efficiently control pathogen infections in model plants by producing cytokinin, allowing the plants to maintain tissue integrity and biomass yield.
A new open-access article provides an overview of the olive fruit fly, its biology and life history, and current control methods. The article discusses various techniques, including biological control programs and cultural practices, to help manage commercial olive orchards.
Researchers report brown widow spider discovery in Tahiti and Cook Islands, but caution against alarm. The non-aggressive nature of the spider and a natural control agent make it less of a concern.
A new study from University of Michigan researchers reveals that competition between predators and parasites can strengthen biological control systems, rather than weaken them. This counterintuitive finding has potential applications for organic farming and pest control, where synthetic pesticides are not allowed.
Researchers at the University of Kent have discovered a new strategy for controlling brown rot disease, a major problem for the UK's stone fruit producers. Biological control agents derived from UK cherries and plums show promise in preventing the disease in controlled conditions.
The University of California, Riverside has found that Tamarixia radiata, a wasp that targets the Asian citrus psyllid, poses no significant environmental risk. The wasp is being used for biological control in Florida, Texas, and other regions to combat the invasive pest.
A recent study found that the use of wasps to combat citrus greening disease is unlikely to threaten non-target insects. The parasitoid wasp Tamarixia radiata was tested against seven non-target psyllid species, with only one showing a low level of parasitization.
A WSU study found plantings of sweet alyssum attract spiders and predatory insects that prey on woolly apple aphids, reducing their populations. The discovery is a boon for both organic and conventional tree fruit growers.
A team of researchers has identified six new cryptic species that could serve as a potential biocontrol agent for the invasive Brazilian peppertree in Florida. The discovery highlights the importance of careful identification and assessment to address the complex issue of cryptic species complexes.
A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists found that a lady beetle's diet influences its feeding patterns and physiology. The research suggests that plant material provides key nutrients lacking in insect prey diets, making mixed diets healthier for the beetles.
Marshall Johnson, a renowned UC Riverside entomologist, has received the Distinguished Scientist of the Year Award from the International Organization for Biological Control – Nearctic Regional Section. He has made significant contributions to the field of biological control through his research and extension work, developing and imple...
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.
Researchers release Tamarixia radiata, a parasitic wasp that kills Asian citrus psyllid nymphs, potentially reducing pest densities and protecting citrus trees in California. The natural enemy is part of a larger integrated management program for the invasive pest.
The University of Guam's entomologist has received $205,500 in grants from the USDA to control the coconut rhinoceros beetle population on the island. The beetle has shown high resistance to current biocontrol methods, including pheromone-baited traps and a biocontrol virus.
Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered a freshwater species of zooplankton, Daphnia magna, that can eat the B. dendrobatidis fungus devastating amphibian populations worldwide. The finding offers a promising biological control method to combat this deadly disease.
A US-based lab is searching for natural enemies of the invasive silverleaf nightshade weed, which can outcompete native plants and poison livestock. The lab aims to use biologically based approach to control the weed's spread in Europe and the US.
Afla-Guard, a biological control developed for peanut cultivation, has shown promise in reducing aflatoxin levels on corn crops. In a two-year study, the product demonstrated an overall reduction of 85% in aflatoxin levels compared to control fields.
A new species of beetle, Himalusa thailandensis, has been found to feed on the invasive skunk vine, causing significant foliar damage. This discovery presents a potential biocontrol solution for controlling the spread of this invasive weed in the southern United States.
Mark Hoddle, a UC Riverside entomologist, is searching for invasive pests that could threaten California's $320 million avocado industry. He has already collected over 300 pest-infected avocados from Peru and is working to identify natural enemies.
Researchers have found that a tiny alien insect pest called cycad aulacaspis scale (CAS) can hide in hard-to-reach areas of native cycad plants, allowing it to evade natural enemies. The study's findings suggest the need for a new biological control organism that can target CAS in its secret hiding places.
The USDA has released a new biocontrol, Megamelus scutellaris, to help control the invasive water hyacinth. The planthopper is highly host-specific and does not pose a threat to native or economically important species.
ARS scientists have developed a biocontrol agent that uses neuropeptide mimics to kill aphids, potentially reducing pesticide use and environmental harm. The treatment was found to be highly effective in killing 90-100% of aphids within three days, comparable to insecticides on the market.
Researchers are using two tiny insects, the predatory mite and the lady bug, to control European red mites and two-spotted spider mites in Pennsylvania apple orchards. By reducing pest mite numbers, biological control saves growers millions in integrated pest management costs.
A CSIRO-led study is investigating the use of a rust fungus to control Cape tulip weeds in Australian pastures. The research aims to determine the aggressiveness of the rust on Cape tulips and its potential for biological control, with initial results promising.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified a sap-sucking psyllid called Aphalara itadori as a potential biocontrol agent to combat Japanese Knotweed. The plant, which costs £1.5 billion to control in Britain, is a single clone and lacks population resistance.
The Entomological Society of America recognizes Dr. Frederick P. Baxendale for his outstanding contributions to extension entomology, and Dr. Tiffany M. Heng-Moss for her exceptional teaching, including developing a new undergraduate major in insect science. Dr. Ronald D. Oetting receives the Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticul...
A research team led by Mark Hoddle has successfully used biological control to eradicate the glassy-winged sharpshooter, a major agricultural pest, from Tahiti and neighboring islands. The team introduced a microscopic parasitic wasp that attacks the insect's eggs, reducing its population to less than 5% of its original density.
A new computer model, developed by University of Illinois ecologist Adam Davis, aims to predict the most effective biological control agent for reducing garlic mustard populations in temperate forests. The model uses simulation dynamics and testing protocols to identify a tiny weevil as a promising candidate.
A successful bioeradication program in Lake Victoria reduced fish populations, improved hydroelectric power generation, and decreased malaria and schistosomiasis cases. The program used natural enemies of the invasive water hyacinth to control its spread, eliminating the need for pesticides.
The introduction of non-native species has accelerated invasions, with many becoming economically beneficial but ecologically destructive. Biocontrol methods are often ineffective and can harm native species.
Scientists are exploring how molecular genetics can improve classical biological control by finding natural enemies well adapted to target invasive pests. Genetically modified crops with toxins like Bt may also be compatible with natural enemies, offering a new approach to controlling unwanted insect pests.
Researchers used DNA sequences to identify hybridization and introgression in Phlox species, tracing the Eurasian source of invasive Tamarix species. The study found that a novel hybrid plant genotype is contributing to the invasion's spread, affecting biodiversity and hydrology in fragile environments.
Researchers found that 20% of caterpillars died from parasitoid attacks, mostly from introduced species. The study highlights the importance of understanding ecological costs of biocontrol agents to prevent adverse cascading events in food chains.
Researchers investigate biocontrol insect failures, such as Urophora gallflies failing to control invasive knapweed, while also exploring chemical cues to deter mosquitoes. Additionally, studies on butterflies reveal increased populations following ponderosa pine restoration and nectar flower abundance.
A new study highlights the risks of biological control gone wrong, as a widely released weevil has attacked five native thistle species. The Eurasian weevil, introduced to the US in 1968, has damaged native plants' seed production by 86% and expanded its distribution.
Scientists have discovered that two parasitic wasps, Spalangia endius and Spalangia nigoraenea, can efficiently control stable and house flies in Illinois. This finding has significant implications for the state's agricultural industry and public health.