Articles tagged with Pest Control
Researchers developed an innovative approach to identify insect sex pheromones by analyzing olfactory receptors, which can help control pest populations and improve crop protection.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has appointed José Peiretti as its new row crop precision agriculture management Extension specialist. Peiretti brings 11 years of expertise in precision agriculture to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of technologies for precision planting, nutrient management, and more.
The joint factsheet highlights the complementary activities of FORSAID, CERBERUS and STELLA, demonstrating how innovative digital technologies can improve early detection and management of plant pests. The projects share a vision of using AI, remote sensing and citizen engagement to transform Europe's response to pest outbreaks.
A European consortium, led by Universitat Jaume I, aims to develop genetically modified citrus lines with greater resilience to climate change, pests, and diseases. The project, CitrusAld, will focus on sweet orange and mandarin, and explore biofortification to enhance nutritional properties.
Research shows that a moderate presence of pikas improves the composition of vegetation for grazing yaks, increasing the abundance and nutritional quality of palatable grasses and sedges. This moderate presence helps suppress tall poisonous plants, thereby facilitating weight gains in yaks.
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.
A large-scale study found that forests damaged by windstorms remain vulnerable to subsequent bark beetle or snow damage, depending on forest structure, climate, and topography. Forests with mixed stands and warmer conditions are more prone to bark beetle damage, while those on steeper terrain require closer monitoring for snow damage.
Parasitic plants, such as dodders, steal genes from other plants and remodel them over time, retaining their original function. This process, known as horizontal gene transfer, allows the plant to adapt and survive, with the gene becoming an integral part of its genome.
Twelve universities competed in the annual Weed Contest, testing their weed science knowledge in six categories, including herbicide identification and team calibration. The University of Arkansas won the contest, and the University of Tennessee Weed Team took top honors in the team calibration event.
Research from the University of California - Riverside shows that pesticides like thiamethoxam and boric acid change ant behavior, with some ants becoming more active outside the nest before dying. This altered behavior may be due to neurological effects caused by the chemicals.
UMD researchers successfully cloned and described a highly effective Hessian fly resistance gene in wheat. The breakthrough enables the development of gene-based solutions for persistent agricultural pests affecting wheat growers globally.
Heather Kelly, a UTIA plant pathologist, has been selected as a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar to collaborate with researchers in Brazil. She will use advanced technologies to model soybean disease epidemics and predict potential threats to Tennessee row crop production.
Researchers developed a new environmentally friendly insecticide using nanoemulsions of diallyl disulfide and carvone, which showed enhanced toxicity against the adzuki bean beetle while having relatively low impact on parasitic wasps. The nanoemulsions were also safe on seeds and enhanced root growth.
Researchers at Tulane University discovered that vesper bats have two distinct copies of genes producing antibodies, which helps them recognize and fight infections. This finding opens up new areas of study on the evolution of immunity and how animals respond to diseases.
Researchers are studying foul-smelling substances to understand what attracts the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, to its favorite meal - open wounds. The goal is to develop better lures for trapping this serious threat to the livestock industry.
Barton's lab aims to improve strategies for managing invasive insects by investigating juvenile hormones. The project will also train graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and middle school teachers in STEM education.
Researchers discover new wasp species, Chlorocytus papahemii, in China that controls the weevil beetle Lixus subtilis, a major sugar beet pest. The newly discovered wasp has a unique behavior of attacking another wasp species that preys on the weevil.
Mosquitoes in Wake County developed and maintained mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance, with 84% of residential blocks showing resistance by 2023. Wealthier households may be driving this trend through private mosquito control services or chemical insecticide treatments.
Experts from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture will present research-based recommendations on managing herbicide-resistant weeds. The event features presentations and practical control strategies for Palmer amaranth, goosegrass, and Italian ryegrass.
Researchers found that honeybee queens will take up and pass on pesticide contamination to their eggs when worker bees can no longer filter out the toxins. This process, called maternal offloading, allows the queen to shield herself from harm but may also harm her offspring.
European researchers warn that EU Commission's draft legislation on pesticides weakens key safeguards, increasing risks to biodiversity and human health. The proposed reforms could lead to indefinite approval of active substances without periodic reassessment.
Researchers discovered that insect-eating bats can help control pest populations affecting crops like grapevines and orchard fruits. By studying six horseshoe bat colonies in northern Spain, the study found these bats to be a valuable natural consumer of pests.
The Ecological Society of America publishes groundbreaking studies on the rights of nature, highlighting widespread support for conservation. Research also reveals owls' role in controlling rodent populations, while clownfish reveal the importance of partner relationships in shaping biodiversity.
A €6 million EU Horizon project is building Europe's first platform to coordinate a response to devastating agricultural and forest pest invasions. Plant health authorities will be able to model and optimise pest control strategies across the entire agri-value chain.
A University of Washington-led team found that bean plants release gases to attract predatory wasps, which prey on caterpillars. This defense mechanism is mediated by a protein called INR, showcasing the tiny actions of one protein affecting behavior and protecting plant health.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes can learn to associate the smell of DEET with food, making them more likely to bite people who smell of DEET. The study found that when exposed to DEET repeatedly, mosquitoes became desensitized to its repellent properties and began to view it as a potential meal source.
A new policy brief from PollinERA project outlines a systems-based approach to managing cumulative pesticide impacts across European landscapes. The proposed regional budget system assigns ecological regions an annual toxic-unit budget linked to environmental carrying capacity.
Researchers have developed a non-chemical method to kill burrowing shrimp in targeted areas, reducing their population by up to 98%. The technique uses vibration and pressure to compact sediment and trap shrimp, starved of oxygen, leading to their death. The method shows promise for shellfish farmers struggling with the invasive species.
A new study challenges the hypothesis that climate change will lead to massive ag pest populations, suggesting a more complex relationship between warming and pest dynamics. The research found that some species thrive in warmer climates while others decline or show no response.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.