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Mutant mosquitos make insecticide-resistance monitoring key to controlling Zika

A recent study by Emory University highlights the importance of insecticide-resistance monitoring in controlling the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases. The research found that applying insecticides like deltamethrin in areas with high resistance can be ineffective, emphasizing the need for targeted control measures.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 19, 2017

Drivers of insecticide use

A new study by UC Santa Barbara scientists has found that landscape characteristics, such as crop diversity and field size, affect insecticide use. Crop diversity was shown to reduce insecticide use by 8kg per hectare in table grapes, while larger fields use more insecticide.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

Sulfoxaflor found to be less harmful to insect predators than broad-spectrum insecticides

A new study found that sulfoxaflor is as effective as broad-spectrum insecticides in controlling soybean aphids, while causing less harm to beneficial predators like the convergent lady beetle and insidious flower bug. This could improve integrated pest management strategies and reduce the risk of insecticide resistance.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateAug 17, 2016

Pesticides: More toxic than previously thought?

A McGill University study found that insecticides can alter the behavior of individual spiders, including their ability to capture prey and explore new territories. The effects on male and female spiders were also distinct, with females being more affected in their ability to capture prey.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateAug 6, 2015

Lab test commonly used to assess water toxicity

Researchers found that H. azteca from polluted sites are less sensitive to pyrethroid insecticides than lab-grown ones. This suggests standard testing methods may not accurately reflect environmental health

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMay 4, 2015

Are plants passive smokers?

Researchers found that plants like peppermint take up high concentrations of nicotine from cigarette smoke and contaminated soils. This discovery may explain the presence of high levels of nicotine in spices, herbal teas, and medicinal plants.

SourceSpringer·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·DateApr 8, 2015