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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.

SourceSouth Dakota State University·JournalTransactions of the ASABE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2025

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2025
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

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.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJul 23, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

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.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

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.

SourceCGIAR·DateJul 4, 2025
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2025

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2025
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

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.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience·DateJun 11, 2025

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.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 10, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 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
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

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.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalForests·DateMay 8, 2025

Discovery: a better, more targeted termite terminator

Researchers have discovered a chemical called bistrifluron that prevents drywood termites from creating new exoskeletons, ultimately killing the colony. This innovative method offers a safer alternative to traditional fumigation methods and has shown promise in reducing toxicity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateMay 6, 2025
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Migrating flies vital for people and nature

The study found that almost 600 of the over 125,000 known fly species are likely to be migratory, highlighting their importance as pollinators, decomposers, and pest controllers. The review emphasizes the need for connected habitats to support flies along their epic journeys, as climate change and human impacts threaten many species.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiological Reviews·DateApr 2, 2025

Nature’s viny vampire: Discovering what drives parasitic Cuscuta campestris

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified the CcMCA1 gene as a key player in the development of haustoria, structures that allow Cuscuta campestris to feed on host plants. Suppressing this gene expression can reduce the number of haustoria per centimeter, offering potential for controlling invasive plant species.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025

Population monitoring of the olive fly is updated with a more efficient method

Researchers have developed a more efficient method to monitor the olive fly population, enabling growers to make informed decisions on pest control. The new system uses small double-sided yellow adhesive panels, distributed at 4-15 traps per hectare, to accurately estimate olive fly numbers and damage.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Comprehensive global study shows pesticides are major contributor to biodiversity crisis

A comprehensive global study reveals pesticides are a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis, affecting over 800 species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. The research highlights the need for policies and practices to reduce pesticide use, including regenerative agriculture and Integrated Pest Management.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2025

Bats play a key role in combating rice pests in Southeast Asia

Scientists have found that Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats hunt at altitudes of up to 1,600m, restricting the spread of high-flying planthoppers. This crucial contribution to pest control and food security is attributed to the bat's impressive foraging range of up to 1,743km².

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalOecologia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2025

New discovery paves the way for more resistant soybeans to combat $1.5 billion crop loss from nematode infection

Researchers have identified a key protein responsible for nematode infection in soybeans, paving the way for the development of more resistant crops. By engineering 'decoy' proteins that trick nematodes into cleaving themselves, scientists aim to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and lower agriculture's environmental impact.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJan 27, 2025

Rooting for resistance: How soybeans tackle nematode invaders is no secret anymore

Researchers have uncovered how soybean varieties respond to different types of nematode infections, revealing new insights into plant defense mechanisms. The study found that resistant plants activate genes involved in immune responses, while susceptible plants fail to do so, making them vulnerable to attack.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJan 23, 2025
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Study reveals root-lesion nematodes in maize crops - and one potential new species

A new study has identified five species of root-lesion nematodes in maize fields across New Zealand, revealing significant diversity and regional distribution patterns. The discovery highlights the need for targeted pest management strategies to protect crop yields and maintain agricultural productivity.

SourceApplied Microbiology International·JournalLetters in Applied Microbiology·DateJan 14, 2025

Harnessing nature to defend soybean roots

Scientists develop novel approach using Cry14 protein to combat soybean cyst nematode (SCN), a major soybean pest. The research demonstrates that Cry14 reduces SCN population in soybean roots, leading to higher yields and potential resistance against native traits.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJan 14, 2025

Renewed grant will continue UTIA’s integrated pest management program

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $210,000 grant to support ongoing integrated pest management programs across the state. The grant will focus on agronomic and specialty crops, pest control in houses and schools, and improving pollinator health.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateJan 9, 2025

APS PRESS publishes the definitive, up-to-date rose health resource

The Compendium of Rose Diseases and Pests, Third Edition, is a comprehensive guide to diagnosing diseases, identifying pests, and expanding expertise in rose health management. Edited by industry experts, the book features over 50 contributing authors and provides practical guidance for students, researchers, educators, and professionals.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateJan 9, 2025

Montana State graduate students publish new explorations of wheat stem sawfly management

Two MSU graduate students have published new research on managing the devastating wheat stem sawfly pest, with a focus on promoting parasitoid biocontrols and using remote sensing techniques to predict infestations. Their work aims to develop sustainable solutions for agricultural producers in Montana.

SourceMontana State University·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 8, 2025
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Early warning tool will help control huge locust swarms

A team from the University of Cambridge has developed a model to predict desert locust swarms, enabling national agencies to respond quickly. The model uses weather forecast data and computational models to forecast locust swarm movements both short and long-term.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 19, 2024

Insect-killing fungi find unexpected harmony in war

Two strains of pathogenic fungi cooperate to share insect victims, dividing territories and utilizing unique specialties. This peaceful coexistence allows them to partition limited resources and adapt to their environment.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2024

A brown ale or hoppy lager? Even fruit flies have a preference.

Researchers found that Drosophila suzukii prefers hoppy blonde beers and tripels, while Drosophila melanogaster is attracted to brown and amber beers. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted traps for pest control in agriculture.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 15, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study reveals invasive Apple Snail could spread further in Africa

The invasive Apple Snail poses a significant threat to rice crops in Africa, particularly in Kenya, where it has already infested over 80% of the Mwea irrigation scheme. The study suggests that strict quarantine measures are necessary to curb the spread of the pest.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

Stopping plants from passing viruses to their progeny

A new study reveals that two specific genes in the RNA interference pathway play a crucial role in preventing virus transmission from parent to progeny in plants. This discovery could lead to healthier crops and potentially reduce the transmission of diseases like Zika from mothers to human children.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 19, 2024

Researchers use AI and robot dog to combat invasive fire ants

Researchers used a dog-like robot integrated with AI to automate the identification and control of Red Imported Fire Ants, detecting three times more nests with greater precision. The system's effectiveness was tested in field trials, but challenges remain in scaling up production costs.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalPest Management Science·DateAug 21, 2024
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Consumer-grade insecticide sprays fail to control cockroaches, study shows

A new study found that consumer-grade insecticide sprays have little to no effect on eliminating German cockroach infestations. The residues of these products did not kill more than 20% of the cockroaches, with some taking up to five days to die.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2024

Energy efficiency may keep rodents at bay

A Yale University study suggests that retrofitting homes with efficient insulation and sealing leaky windows can reduce rodent infestations, while also decreasing wasteful energy usage. The research found that large-scale retrofitting schemes can be effective in excluding rats from homes and increasing predation across neighborhoods.

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 18, 2024

Reef pest feasts on 'sea sawdust'

Researchers discovered that crown-of-thorns starfish larvae feed on Trichodesmium bacteria, a toxic and nutrient-poor food source. This finding may contribute to the increase in COTS populations devastating coral reefs worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2024
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Wild plants and crops don’t make great neighbors

Research reveals native plants and non-native crops attract pests that spread diseases, causing harm to both plant populations. The studies also found viruses transmitted from crops to wild plants, which can have devastating effects on native ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhytopathology·DateJul 11, 2024

To save bees, scientists say focus on habitat first, then pesticides

A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2024

New Co-Editor-in-Chief announced for Pest Management Science

Mithila Jugulam has been appointed Co-Editor-in-Chief of Pest Management Science, bringing expertise in weed physiology and molecular biology. She aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, while maintaining the journal's commitment to scientific rigor and editorial integrity.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalPest Management Science·DateJun 18, 2024
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Tiny crop-health sensors could help cut the cost of groceries

Researchers developed a compact sensor system with infrared imaging capabilities that can be fitted to drones for remote crop monitoring. The system can rapidly switch between edge detection and detailed infrared imaging, allowing farmers to pinpoint specific crop needs and boost harvests.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024

Drones and AI harnessed to monitor invasive stink bugs

Researchers in Italy have successfully monitored invasive stink bugs using drones and AI, reducing disruption and improving data capture. The system achieved a 97% detection accuracy, enabling precise forecasting models for integrated pest management strategies.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalPest Management Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024

Climate change boosts olive tree-devouring bacteria in the Mediterranean

A new study predicts that climate change will boost the spread of Xylella fastidiosa, a deadly disease-causing bacterium, to wine-producing regions with low risk. The risk of establishment is expected to increase by up to 47% in countries such as France and Italy.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 4, 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
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Biodiversity in the margins: Merging farmlands affects natural pest control

A new study found that removing hedgerows and field margins decreases the diversity and abundance of arthropods, which can lead to reduced natural pest control. The research suggests that using flowering plants in field margins and implementing agri-environmental measures can be effective ways to increase farmland biodiversity.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Regional differences in bird diversity in agroforestry systems

A study by the University of Göttingen investigated regional differences in bird diversity within cocoa agroforestry systems in Peru. The research team found that biodiversity decreases with increasing distance from natural forests, with greater richness of species found in humid subtropical forests than in dry tropical forests.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2024

Genetics provide key to fight crown-of-thorns starfish

Researchers have identified over 2000 protein-coding genes that change significantly between summer and winter in the starfish's reproductive process. This study provides a promising breakthrough in understanding how crown-of-thorns starfish communicate during reproduction, which could lead to the development of natural pest control me...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 14, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.