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Bats as a form of biological pest control

A study found that bats, not bird numbers, contribute to pest control in macadamia nut production. Higher bat activity reduces insect damage and increases yields, with natural habitats playing a crucial role in supporting beneficial organisms.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

Integration of two genes: A valuable strategy for developing virus-resistant tomatoes

Researchers discovered a combination of Ty-1/Ty-3 and Ty-6 resistance genes in tomato plants provides highly robust protection against begomoviruses. Integration of fewer resistance genes than expected can enhance resistance, offering a promising approach for improving tomato varieties while balancing productivity and fruit quality.

SourceKindai University·JournalEuphytica·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2026

Use of controversial weedkiller inadvertently selects for drug-resistant bacteria that can spread to hospitals

Scientists have found evidence that glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller, can select for drug-resistant bacteria that can thrive in agricultural areas and then spread to hospitals. The study revealed that bacterial strains from hospital infections with extreme drug resistance showed high resistance to glyphosate and its byproducts.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2026

Nature-friendly farming boosts biodiversity and yields but may require new subsidies

Agroecological methods improve biodiversity, pollination, natural pest control, and crop yields, but new subsidies are needed to support farms' transition. The study found that incorporating nature-friendly practices increases benefits for nature and farmers, with higher soil carbon and overall increased crop yields.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2025

Ox-eye daisy, bellis and yarrow: Flower strips with at least two sown species provide 70 percent more natural enemies of pests

A meta-analysis from the University of Copenhagen shows that flower strips with at least two sown species increase the number of natural enemies by an average of 70 percent. This is due to the diverse range of flowers attracting a broader range of beneficial insects, such as ladybirds and hoverflies.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·DateMay 22, 2025

New malaria control strategy efficiently kills parasites in the mosquito, could lead to more effective bed nets

A potent combination of antimalarial compounds blocks parasite transmission in mosquitoes while circumventing insecticide resistance. The new strategy retains activity even after a year and efficiently kills parasites even when applied to the female mosquito up to four days in advance of infection.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

New discovery in plant–pest warfare could lead to sustainable farming solutions

A research team at Tokyo University of Science has identified two new tetranins in spider mite saliva that reduce reproduction and increase defense responses in plants. The findings have potential for organic farming techniques and more resilient crops, contributing to sustainable agriculture and enhanced food safety.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2025

The unintended consequences of success against malaria

A new study reviewing the academic literature on indoor pest control reveals that successful mosquito treatments have unintended consequences, including the return of household pests like bed bugs and flies. This has led to community distrust and abandonment of these treatments, contributing to rising rates of malaria.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 23, 2024

A greener, more effective way to kill termites

Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a highly effective and nontoxic way to kill western drywood termites using a pleasant-smelling chemical called pinene. The method involves releasing the scent of pinene, which attracts termites and guides them to a spot where insecticide is injected into wood.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateMay 31, 2024

UMD researchers develop genomic method of monitoring for pesticide resistance

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a genomic method to monitor pesticide resistance in crops, allowing for early detection of emerging threats. The approach identifies specific genes with mutations that can explain toxin resistance, and provides insights into how common strategies may be facilitating resistance.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

“Superarthropods”: New publication unravels the impact of the widespread use of insecticides for malaria control

The widespread use of insecticides for malaria control has unintended consequences, including the development of resistance in other disease-carrying arthropods. This can lead to the spread of overlooked and dangerous tropical diseases. Understanding the behavior and insecticide susceptibility status of these organisms is crucial to pr...

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateAug 7, 2023

Is organic farming always good for the environment? – Researchers create strategy to help decide

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEcology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022