Pest Control
Articles tagged with Pest Control
Scientists dispute hypothesis that climate change will unleash massive ag pest populations
A sticky solution to a pesky agricultural problem
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a water-based pesticide formulation that outperforms conventional methods in delivering agricultural pesticides. The new solution uses nanostructured cellulose nanocrystals to stabilize pesticide droplets without chemicals or solvents.
Swansea spin-out Bionema Group receives second King’s Award for Enterprise
Bionema Group Ltd, a Swansea University spin-out, has received the second King's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development. The company develops biological pest control and sustainable agriculture technologies, providing environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides.
Biomonitoring the Anthropocene: NY's East River becomes a living biosensor
A year-long study of NYC's East River used environmental DNA to reveal insights into urban wildlife activity, human food consumption and ecosystem health. The findings suggest that urban waterways can become continuous biosensors tracking biodiversity and habitat restoration outcomes.
How papayas benefit cocoa cultivation
A study found that leaf-cutter ants can provide ecological services to cocoa agroforests, reducing damage caused by the insects. By using simple methods like planting papayas as a 'distraction' and preserving surrounding forests, farmers can produce good cocoa while maintaining biodiversity
Horizon Europe’s SWIFTT project concludes with Copernicus-based forest management tool to map, mitigate, and prevent the main threats to EU forests
The SWIFTT platform uses Copernicus Sentinel satellite data and machine learning models to identify tree health changes, detect anomalies, and predict threats like spruce bark beetle outbreaks and wildfires. Foresters can access timely alerts, prioritize inspections, and coordinate clearing of dead wood to protect forests.
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.
SoCal honeybees can fend off deadly mites
A new study from UC Riverside shows that a locally adapted population of SoCal honeybees can naturally suppress deadly mites. The hybrid bees are less susceptible to Varroa mite infestations and cross-thresholds, making them more resistant than commercial breeds.
Drones, DNA, and weather: A phase-oriented hybrid engine to predict sugar beet disease
Researchers developed a hybrid engine to predict sugar beet disease by combining drone images, weather data, and qPCR-based airborne spore monitoring. The system reduced prediction error by up to 39% and provided accurate forecasts of disease severity.
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.
Iowa State’s Pest-ID team, global researchers, work to build an app to help farmers
A new app developed by Iowa State University researchers and global partners aims to provide farmers with instant identification and practical advice on how to manage pest, weed, and disease issues effectively. The app's artificial intelligence system will be trained on millions of images and data points to make accurate identifications.
Researchers find that landowner trust, experience influence feral hog management
Two studies have found that trust in landowners and experience with feral hogs significantly influence their willingness to manage the animals. Trust in neighbors and community was found to be associated with the likelihood of landowners taking actions to manage feral hogs, while experience with the animals was also a crucial factor.
Soybeans recruit beneficial soil microbes to defend against major pest
Researchers discover that resistant soybean varieties actively recruit beneficial soil microorganisms to suppress the devastating soybean cyst nematode. These microbes can be transferred to soil to help defend susceptible soybeans, providing a promising new approach for sustainable crop protection.
Forest damage could double: How fires, storms, and bark beetles will shape the future of Europe’s forests
A study predicts that forest damage in Europe will more than double by 2100 due to increased wildfires, storms, and bark beetle activity. The team used AI-based simulation models to estimate the impact of global warming on forest ecosystems.
Nitrous oxide, a product of fertilizer use, may harm some soil bacteria
A study by MIT researchers found that nitrous oxide can hamper the growth of certain soil bacteria dependent on vitamin B12 for methionine biosynthesis. The findings suggest that N2O production in agricultural settings could influence microbial communities, potentially impacting crop health.
Comprehensive genetic library for soybean cyst nematode could renew resistance, profitability for soybean growers
A multi-institution research team has developed a comprehensive genetic library for the soybean cyst nematode, which could help renew resistance and profitability for soybean growers. The pangenome allows for population genetic analysis to understand how nematodes are overcoming resistance.
Temporal dynamics of predatory nematodes in Guam reveal effective biological control of Meloidogyne spp.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found that beneficial nematodes, including predatory nematodes, play a crucial role in regulating pest populations in tropical soils. The research shows that these natural allies can suppress harmful plant-parasitic nematodes, leading to improved crop yields and reduced losses.
Rapid response launched to tackle new yellow rust strains threatening UK wheat
A new strain of yellow rust pathogen has broken down a key resistance gene, leaving over 50% of the UK's wheat acreage vulnerable. Researchers are racing against time to find new resistance genes and breed them into modern wheat varieties.
Sugar beet, oilseed rape, tomatoes and dandelions: four precision breeding projects win major funding to support UK agriculture
The John Innes Centre has been awarded £21.5m in funding to support four precision breeding projects, aiming to reduce emissions and strengthen crop resilience. These projects will help protect two major agricultural crops from diseases, enhance the nutritional content of tomatoes, and develop sustainable sources of rubber.
Illinois study: How a potential antibiotics ban could affect apple growers
A new study from the University of Illinois examines how apple growers might respond to a potential ban on antibiotics, finding that proactive growers will benefit if the ban is enforced, but may struggle if it doesn't materialize. The study also shows that crop value can mitigate the negative impact of regulatory uncertainty.
Insects remain resilient natural pest control method, new Stirling research shows
A new University of Stirling study shows that using insects like parasitic wasps to control agricultural pests is safer and more environmentally friendly than using chemical pesticides. Despite some whiteflies developing genetic resistance, the study found that survivors have low reproductive success, limiting widespread resistance.
Fecal tests reveal active termite attacks
Researchers have developed a new test that uses microbes to determine the age of termite droppings, allowing for rapid on-site infestation assessments. The study found that the amount of DNA from E. coli bacteria in the pellets decreases significantly over time, with a nearly 190-fold drop by the 12-month mark.
Sustainable pest management would have positive effects across the globe
A new study suggests that adopting sustainable pest management practices could lead to improved environmental outcomes, human health, and increased access to safe food globally. Experts surveyed from over 500 disciplines expect positive long-term effects, with varying economic impacts depending on region.
Ultrasonic pest control to protect beehives
Researchers develop sustainable and efficient pest control method that doesn't harm bees, targeting vulnerable species like greater and lesser wax moths. The technique uses ultrasonic signals to deter the pests, offering a potential solution to declining bee populations and food security concerns.
Moths detect bat attack signals: Ultrasonic pulse rates drive distinct escape responses
A recent study by Chiba University researchers found that moths can detect the ultrasonic pulse rates emitted by bats, which triggers distinct escape responses. The findings suggest that certain pulse rates signal high predation risk, causing moths to avoid flying and even stop reproduction.
How does a parasitic nematode infect a wide variety of plants?
A 15-member research team has gained insight into the DNA of the Northern root-knot nematode, a parasitic nematode that causes significant economic damage to many crops. The study reveals an unusual DNA repeat at the ends of its chromosomes, which may provide a clue to its ability to infect a wide range of plants.
COP30: Eight countries back Brazil-led finance accelerator to scale farmland restoration worldwide
Eight countries support the Resilient Agriculture Investment for net-Zero land degradation (RAIZ) accelerator, which offers a 'quadruple-win' for climate, biodiversity, food security, and desertification. RAIZ aims to mobilize $105 billion in private investment to restore degraded agricultural land at scale.
Gene editing produces plants that are indigestible to pests
Researchers have made significant advances in genetically modified plants that produce alpha-amylase inhibitor proteins, making them indigestible to pests like bedbugs, beetles, weevils, and woodworms. Gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR, offer a promising solution to combat insect pests without compromising human consumption.
Destroying crazy ant nest structure makes them vulnerable to pathogens
Researchers at UT Austin discovered that destroying ant nest structure prevents disease transmission, allowing natural pathogens to collapse infestations. The study's findings provide a reliable way to introduce biocontrol agents into uninfected colonies, making it easier to control the invasive species.
Study: Arrival of boll weevils in U.S. South in early 20th century brought long-term benefits for Black sons born after the agricultural shock
A new study found that the arrival of boll weevils in the US South in the early 20th century led to improved economic outcomes for Black sons born after the agricultural shock. The researchers examined changes in earnings, occupations, and residences for Black males before and after the boll weevil's appearance.
Forest structure and recent infestations drive bark beetle damage clustering in Finland
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that bark beetle damage clusters in Finland tend to concentrate in groups near previous infestations and mature stands. The research analyzed forestry land data and identified forest characteristics increasing the likelihood of a stand becoming part of a cluster.
Cockroach infestation linked to home allergen, endotoxin levels
Researchers at North Carolina State University found a strong link between cockroach infestations and high levels of allergens and endotoxins in homes. Eliminating cockroaches significantly reduced these health risks, with most infested homes without extermination showing large amounts of both allergens and endotoxins.
East-West divide in lettuce pest threatens UK crop yields, study finds
A study found that aphid populations in England are divided between the east and west, suggesting a strong link to lettuce-growing regions. The finding could complicate control efforts and highlights the need for region-specific approaches to tackle the pest.
Slime mold metabolites are a promising, eco-friendly repellent of root-knot nematodes
Researchers at Sophia University have discovered 14 compounds secreted by slime molds that repel root-knot nematodes and protect plant roots. The mixture of these organic compounds showed a strong synergistic effect, demonstrating potential for use in non-toxic crop protection.
AR and AI automatically diagnose agromyzid leafminer damage levels
Researchers developed an advanced survey system combining AR glasses with a camera and AI to objectively assess leafminer damage in the field. The DeepLab-Leafminer model achieved superior segmentation performance, resulting in high diagnosis accuracy rates.
Study warns pest resistance threatens corn industry's newest biotech defense
A new study warns that field-evolved resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis and RNA interference is undermining the effectiveness of corn targeting rootworms with these biotech controls. The researchers advise using integrated pest management strategies, including crop rotation and planting conventional corn refuges.
Bionema receives £650K Innovate UK grant for groundbreaking biological slug control technology
Bionema's innovative bio-based pellets use Loline alkaloids to deliver a safe, sustainable solution for controlling slugs and snails in crops. The project is expected to generate £50 million in the UK and £100 million globally by 2035.
Novel Bocaparvovirus identified in goats identified in China
A novel Bocaparvovirus was identified in goat fecal samples using metagenomic techniques, with high sequence identity to a known strain. The discovery raises concerns about the potential for interspecies transmission and highlights the need for further research on its pathogenicity.
APS PRESS releases third edition of cotton industry’s most trusted diagnostic resource
The third edition of Compendium of Cotton Diseases and Pests features significant updates and new content, including expanded focus on entomology and emerging diseases. Hundreds of new images enhance identification and diagnosis, making it a comprehensive guide for plant pathologists, agronomists, and growers.
GBiDC-PEST: A novel lightweight model for real-time multiclass tiny pest detection and mobile platform deployment
Researchers developed a lightweight detection algorithm for real-time multiclass tiny pest detection, achieving high accuracy and fast processing speed. The GBiDC-PEST model targets four significant pests causing substantial damage to major crops.
OLED materials have potential new uses in detecting pesticides for the farming industry
Researchers are exploring how fluorescent OLED materials can detect pesticide residue and herbicides in food production, addressing concerns in Brazil. The project aims to develop sensors that respond with light when interacting with pesticides, enabling early detection and reducing contamination.
Beyond pesticides: Discovering nature's own pest control with bush basil companion plants
A team of researchers found that co-cultivating common bean plants with fragrant bush basil increases the expression of a key gene in plant defense mechanisms, reducing egg-laying activity of agricultural pests. This natural pest control method uses VOCs emitted by bush basil to attract beneficial insects and trigger plant defenses.
Crop monitoring system utilizing IoT, AI and other tech showcased at ASABE
The system tracks and analyzes crop development using data from sensors, biosensors, the Internet of Things, and AI. Strong security protocols ensure farmer data remains private and resilient against future quantum computer attacks. The research team plans to improve their system with faster sensor processing and a solar-powered battery.
Planting bush basil near green beans naturally repels certain pests
A study found that growing bush basil near green beans activates the plant's defense mechanisms against spider mites and attracts natural enemies of these pests. The researchers identified linalool and eugenol as the primary VOCs emitted by bush basil, which enhanced the defensive responses of green bean plants.
New study unlocks molecular defense against devastating potato pathogen
Researchers discovered salicylic acid plays a central role in protecting potato roots from Spongospora subterranea, a soilborne pathogen causing powdery scab. The study used a cutting-edge 'hairy root' system to rapidly test root-pathogen interactions, providing vital insights for developing resistant potato varieties.
For tastier and hardier citrus, researchers built a tool for probing plant metabolism
A new tool allows researchers to probe the metabolic processes of key citrus crop, clementine, to improve yields, flavor, and nutritional value. The comprehensive genome-scale model captures Citrus clementina's metabolism with exceptional accuracy, enabling simulating economically-relevant scenarios.
Environmental impact of common pesticides seriously underestimated
Research suggests that nine commonly used pesticides in viticulture have significantly underestimated environmental impact, with half-lives exceeding two days and potential for long-range transport.
Beetles under climate stress lay larger male eggs: Wolbachia infection drives adaptive reproduction strategy in response to rising temperature and CO₂
Researchers found that azuki bean beetles infected with Wolbachia bacteria produce larger eggs yielding exclusively male offspring when exposed to elevated temperature and carbon dioxide. This adaptive reproduction strategy enhances the survivability of their offspring.
Growing a better future – Decades of impact from CGIAR
Between 2022 and 2024, CGIAR delivered innovations to over 20 million farmers across 62 countries, including climate-resilient crop varieties and tools for women's empowerment. The report highlights a cumulative impact of $1.34 trillion in economic benefits from crop technologies developed by CGIAR.
A surprising ally in the fight against the spotted lanternfly: Ants
Researchers at Virginia Tech have found ants can be used to detect the presence of spotted lanternflies, a serious threat to crops and ecosystems. The method, called antDNA, uses environmental DNA testing to identify tiny traces of DNA in honeydew produced by the insect.
CABI-led study suggests women in Pakistan need greater access to information on parthenium weed
A CABI-led study found that smallholder farmers, particularly women, in Pakistan lack knowledge on parthenium weed management and biological control. The researchers recommend increasing women's access to information to improve their understanding of the weed and its impact on human health.
Protecting aquatic ecosystems by better understanding toxicity risk
Australian scientists developed a new method to evaluate the risks posed by toxicants like insecticides in waterways. The Temporal Response Surface (TRS) approach integrates exposure duration into ecosystem protection guidelines, providing a more accurate assessment of delayed and time-cumulative aquatic ecosystem risk.
Deciphering starfish communication may help protect coral reefs
Researchers have discovered a synthetic peptide that attracts Crown-of-Thorns Starfish at low concentrations and with no toxicity, offering an efficient pest-management solution. This breakthrough may lead to the development of potent attractins to control CoTS outbreaks, protecting coral reefs from devastating damage.
Study finds ethical justification to eradicate certain harmful species
Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction might be acceptable in rare cases, but only with careful consideration of ecological and moral implications. The study calls for robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks to guide the use of genetic modification technologies.
How home addresses may predict health consequences of roach, rodent exposure
Researchers used geospatial neighborhood and housing data to predict lung function among children with asthma living in homes with more roaches and rodents. The study highlights the impact of environmental exposures on asthma health disparities among Black and Latino children.
Wasps thought to be asexual could support chemical-free pest control enhancements
Scientists have discovered that a species of wasp can reproduce both with and without a mate, challenging previous assumptions about the evolution of this insect. This finding opens up possibilities for improving natural pest control by harnessing the reproductive behavior of these wasps to adapt them to different regions.
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.
New research reveals Puff adders as an important conservation and rodent control solution
New research from the University of the Witwatersrand finds that puff adders can increase their food consumption by up to 12 times during rodent outbreaks, outperforming traditional mammalian predators. This natural solution could significantly reduce crop damage and support sustainable farming practices in Africa.
Generalist pests cause more damage, specialists kill more trees
A recent study by USDA Forest Service researchers highlights the critical need for understanding and managing nonnative forest specialist and generalist pests. Specialists caused more tree deaths, while generalists inflicted more nonlethal damage due to their broader impact across multiple species.