Articles tagged with Pest Control
Scientists have measured the speed of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, a bacterium causing citrus greening disease. The bacteria can colonize a tree in around 80-100 days, faster than symptoms appear, making it difficult to control.
Researchers have confirmed a Champaign County waterhemp population is resistant to dicamba, with a 65% control rate. The population shows signs of metabolic resistance, activating detoxification genes before the chemical can harm. This finding raises concerns about the potential for broader herbicide resistance.
Researchers used machine learning and genomics to identify molecular markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease in over 97 sugarcane genotypes. The study found that energy cane varieties with higher fiber content are more resistant to the disease, paving the way for commercial launches.
A large-scale study characterized 585 strains of the Xanthomonas perforans bacterium in Florida commercial tomato fields, finding associations between farms and transplant facilities as key points of pathogen spread. This research provides insights into the diversity of the pathogen population and potential control strategies for farmers.
Researchers applied a physics method to Balinese rice irrigation practices, finding that a balance between water stress and pest stress is crucial for equilibrium. The traditional method, which involves synchronized flooding, can help maintain social harmony and prevent chaos in water schedules.
A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.
A severe upsurge of desert locusts in 2019-2020 caused $3.4 billion to $10.21 billion in monetary losses and severe acute food insecurity for over 3 million people in Pakistan. The authors suggest improving the prevention system, developing compensatory measures, and increasing the use of alternative pesticides.
University of Illinois researchers discovered waterhemp's unique mechanism to detoxify the herbicide SA3, adding complexity to controlling this weed. This finding raises concerns about the potential for waterhemp to resist new herbicides before they are even commercialized.
The mapping of the entire genome of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle has provided new insights into its biology and behavior. The analysis reveals that the species has an unusually large number of genes involved in breaking down plant cell walls, but lacks genes to remove toxic substances.
Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered that ants excrete chemical compounds that effectively inhibit plant pathogens, offering an alternative to current pesticides. The study suggests that applying ants and their chemical defenses could protect agricultural plant production.
Researchers found that no-till production farmers can reduce herbicide use by implementing integrated weed-management practices, such as high-residue cultivation and seeding companion crops. Despite increased weed pressure, crop yields and profits were not significantly affected.
Researchers detected Argentine ant eDNA in surface soil samples from Kyoto and Kobe, indicating habitat distribution and hotspots for invasive species. This method could contribute to targeted measures and successful elimination results by combining with pest control plans.
Research by the University of Göttingen found that vanilla plantations with more trees have higher predator activity, which can lead to better pest control. This study contributes to understanding the ecological function of species involved in agroforestry systems and supports the UN's ecosystem restoration goals.
Researchers have developed a way to induce speciation events in fruit flies, allowing scientists to create engineered strains that can reproduce normally but are sterile when mated with unmodified flies. This technology, called Engineered Genetic Incompatibility (EGI), has the potential to control populations of disease-carrying insect...
Researchers developed a CRISPR/Cas9 protocol that allows genetic modification of whiteflies, which can lead to novel control strategies. The technique enables the deletion of genes in whiteflies, allowing scientists to investigate genetic control strategies for this devastating pest.
Researchers found that higher tariffs had a small correlation with decreased invasive pest findings, but this impact was not sensitive enough to be a good tactic. Revoking duty-free status on fruits and vegetables is the only way to achieve measurable impact in pest reduction through tariffs.
Scientists have identified a Y-chromosome linked gene called Maleness-on-the-Y that determines male sex in several major fruit fly pests. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective genetic control strategies for these destructive agricultural pests.
A new study by Harvard researchers finds that notifying potential tenants of past bedbug infestations can help reduce the spread of bedbugs and save landlords money. The policy creates an unofficial quarantine, reducing the chances of an infested unit being rented and allowing landlords time to thoroughly treat the space.
Researchers at Osaka University found that the angle of male flies' genitalia is crucial for successful reproduction, with males having ideal dorsoventral direction having greater copulation success. The study suggests a cooperative evolution between morphology and behavior in dipterans, with implications for pest control.
A new study from North Carolina State University finds that total release foggers, or bug bombs, are ineffective in removing cockroaches from indoor environments. The products leave behind toxic residues on surfaces and fail to reach areas where cockroaches congregate, such as under surfaces and inside cabinets.
Scientists at UC San Diego developed a new method to control pest populations using precision-guided genetics, resulting in sterile male progeny with 100% efficiency. The 'precision-guided sterile insect technique' (pgSIT) can be applied to various insects, including disease-spreading mosquitoes.
A Rutgers University study found that German cockroaches were present in 29% of surveyed apartments, with poor sanitation and resident tolerance being key predictors. Residents unaware of cockroach presence had higher rates of infestation and allergens.
A study found that natural habitat surrounding farm fields is not always effective in controlling pests, with benefits varying widely across the globe. The analysis, published in PNAS, compiled data from over 6,700 sites in 31 countries, revealing no one-size-fits-all recommendations for farmers.
Aging is associated with a decline in Merkel cells, which control the itch response. Researchers identified Piezo2 as a protein that plays a role in suppressing itch, providing hope for future treatments of touch-related itching.
The widespread adoption of Bt field corn led to significant reductions in European corn borer and corn earworm infestations. This resulted in lower recommended insecticide sprays, total insecticides applied, and crop damages on pepper, green bean, and sweet corn crops.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute are investigating gene drive technology to curb pest rodent populations. They aim to reduce or eliminate pest species using a more humane method.
ISCA Technologies received eight grants from the USDA to develop environmentally-friendly pest control products and improve crop yields. The company will use naturally occurring pheromones, yeast species, and drones to control damaging insect pests and promote healthier bees.
Rats in cities face significant challenges due to lack of access to urban properties, making it difficult for scientists to study them. This limits our understanding of rat ecology and population dynamics, ultimately affecting disease surveillance and control methods.
Researchers developed a chess-like board game, Azteca Chess, to educate small-scale Mexican coffee farmers about the insects and fungi living on their plants. The game's goal is for players to capture opponent tokens, illustrating key ecological interactions.
A Nagoya University-led international research team has identified genes controlling the development of enlarged mandibles in stag beetles, a key factor in insect diversity. The study found that genes such as dac, aristaless, and homothorax play important roles in mandible development.
A brief blast of heat can kill bedbugs on the exterior of soft-sided luggage, according to a study by University of California, Irvine entomologist Catherine Loudon. The six-minute treatment at temperatures between 158 and 167 degrees effectively killed all bedbugs on the exterior, including those under zipper flaps and decorative piping.
A heat treatment of 70-75oC kills all bed bugs on the outer surface of luggage in six minutes, even those hidden under zipper flaps. At room temperature, only 3% of bugs move inside during a 24-hour period.
Researchers identified a key gene in vinegar flies responsible for their waterproof coating, which could provide a new way to control insect pests threatening agriculture and humans. By knocking out this gene, the insects lose their waxy coating and become more vulnerable to environmental stress.
The study found that mesh screens provide cost-effective pest control for organically grown peppers, excluding insects including beneficial and pest species. The researchers recommended lighter colored, and/or wider meshes to allow entry of sunlight and beneficial species.
Researchers discovered a key mechanism driving a bacterium that kills male insects, which could be exploited to control pest species. The study found that the bacteria targets the dosage compensation complex, leading to genome-wide misregulation of gene expression.
Researchers have discovered a behavioral trait that can be used against Mexican bean beetles, offering new control strategies without insecticides. Reflective mulch has been shown to significantly reduce beetle numbers and plant damage in outdoor plots.
The article discusses the biology and life cycle of squash bugs, which cause significant damage to crops. To control these pests, growers are adopting integrated pest management techniques, including cleaning up debris and boosting natural enemies.
A comprehensive USGS study finds that human-related mortality in bats is on the rise globally, with wind turbine collisions and white-nose syndrome being primary causes. This trend may not be sustainable and highlights the need for policy and conservation actions to reduce human impact on bat populations.
Researchers used game theory to model the dynamics of farmer decisions and their effects on pest populations. The study found that farmers' perceptions of profit and loss, as well as communication networks, can influence pest control strategies.
A new paper in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management provides a comprehensive overview of greenbug control methods for wheat and sorghum. Growers can use the Glance n' Go system to monitor fields and determine when pesticides are necessary, reducing unnecessary treatments and costs.
A review highlights the importance of an integrated pest management approach for dealing with bed bugs in multi-family housing. This approach combines chemical and nonchemical control options to effectively eliminate infestations and prevent reinfestation.
The house fly genome project has uncovered genes responsible for male traits that evolve exceptionally fast and are gained and lost from the genome at a high rate. These findings hold promise for developing pest control strategies that do not rely on chemical pesticides, by targeting sex determination systems.
The use of insect-resistant maize varieties like Bt hybrids could increase Mexico's maize yields by nearly three times compared to current levels. This technology can effectively control various pests, reducing the environmental impact of chemical insecticides.
The ESA Certification Corporation has recognized two professionals, Bob and Kathy, with the ACE Professional Award and Distinguished Service Award to the Certification Program. These individuals were honored for their contributions to the field of entomology and pest management.
The study found that invertebrate numbers decreased by 45% over a 35-year period, with habitat loss and climate disruption being major contributors. This decline compromises nature's ability to provide essential services such as pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling, and water filtration.
Researchers have sequenced the termite genome, revealing unique genetic targets for better control. The study aims to develop more specific and environmentally friendly solutions to combat termite infestations.
Biologists at Newcastle University use 'confusion effect' to temporarily disorient whiteflies, reducing their ability to feed on tomato plants. The study suggests a potential new method for sustainable pest control, using harmless plant volatiles to give plants time to defend themselves.
A new bioinsecticide has been developed using a baculovirus to control a pest of banana plantations. The treatment is more effective than traditional methods and poses fewer environmental hazards.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the horse-chestnut leaf-mining moth has spread rapidly across England and Wales since its arrival in London in 2002. The data collected by citizen scientists revealed that it takes just three years from the first sighting to maximum levels of damage to the horse-chestnut trees.
The article reviews the biology of orchardgrass and its associated billbug pests, emphasizing the need for effective control methods. It highlights the economic damage caused by these pests and discusses available cultural, biological, and chemical control options.
A detailed annotated checklist of 275 scale insect species in Iran reveals a diverse range of pests affecting crops. The study's findings highlight the economic importance of these insects and the need for further research to improve pest control management.
Maple tree owners can benefit from a new open-access article that provides information on the biology, damage, and management of key pests. The article offers practical integrated pest management (IPM) solutions for each pest, helping to reduce economic and aesthetic value.
Researchers from Lund University have identified a single gene mutation that produces an entirely new scent in moths. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly pest control methods.
A new study found that alternative insecticides can provide equivalent fruit protection to AZM, but with different application timings and strategies. The researchers developed successful strategies incorporating insecticides targeting eggs and larvae for effective codling moth management.
Researchers from the University of Guam and Japan are collaborating on a new method for controlling sweet potato weevil pests using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. The team has successfully developed traps containing fungal spores, which have shown high effectiveness in reducing weevil populations.
Researchers investigate rodent scent signals to monitor and manipulate behaviour for better control of destructive rodents. The study aims to develop more efficient ways of targeting rodents while improving humaneness of control methods.
A French study found that slow information diffusion within farmer communities leads to significant delays in implementing pest management procedures. The study used a modeling framework combining social and ecological perspectives to predict the efficiency of such programs.
Scientists have created compounds that can force corn earworms out of dormancy prematurely, prevent them from entering diapause, or block its termination. This could lead to effective tools for controlling pests and reducing agricultural losses estimated at $2 billion annually in the US.
Scientists discovered that a protein called Knickkopf protects the insect's newly formed cuticle from being dissolved by chitinase. This finding has enormous potential for improving selective pest control and developing new biomaterials like football padding or lightweight aircraft components.
Dr. Gadi V.P. Reddy has received a $188,000 grant from the USDA-NIFA Pest Management Alternatives Program to develop an ecologically sound and cost-effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for tomato farmers in the region.