Articles tagged with Insecticides
A new study by ecologists at Penn State found that grassland bird populations declined due to the loss of habitat, rather than insecticide use. The researchers analyzed population data from the US Geological Survey and found a strong positive association between CRP lands and grassland bird trends.
Researchers at Virginia Tech created a cheap and effective stink bug trap using a foil roasting pan, dish soap, and light. The homemade trap eliminated 14 times more stink bugs than store-bought models, providing a pesticide-free solution for homeowners.
Researchers at LSTM have discovered the combination of genetic mutations that enable mosquitoes to develop multiple and extreme-level resistance to insecticides. The study identifies two key genes, CYP6M2 and CYP6P3, which are highly expressed in resistant mosquitoes and can confer resistance across different classes of insecticides.
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 single genetic mutation in the GSTe2 gene causes mosquitoes to break down DDT, making them resistant to the insecticide. This discovery could help improve malaria control strategies by allowing for early detection and tracking of resistance.
Entomologists at UC Riverside have created a novel technique that combines synthetic pheromone with insecticide sprays to effectively control Argentine ant colonies. The 'attract-and-kill' approach resulted in a 57-142% increase in kill rate, making it an economically viable alternative for urban pest management.
A University of Oklahoma research team found that a commonly used aquatic crustacean, Hyalella azteca, can adapt to polluted conditions and become an unreliable source of information about ecosystem health. The species' genetic mutations allow it to survive at high doses of pyrethroid insecticides.
A new study suggests that genetically modified Bt sweet corn can reduce the need for traditional insecticides, resulting in increased marketability and profitability for farmers. The research found that Bt sweet corn outperformed non-Bt varieties in controlling pest infestations, even with conventional insecticide applications.
Scientists have identified genes responsible for bedbug pesticide resistance, enabling them to thrive in homes and hotels. The discovery highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to manage bedbug infestations, including integrated pest management and non-chemical measures.
A UCSB study analyzed USDA data spanning two decades, showing the relationship between landscape simplification and insecticide use varies greatly from year to year. The research suggests that simplistic landscapes may not be better or worse than complex ones when it comes to insect pest problems.
The Entomological Society of America has elected ten new Fellows, Dr. Charles Vincent and Dr. Jeffrey G. Scott, who have made significant contributions to entomology in research, teaching, extension, or administration. The fellows will be recognized at the ESA's 61st Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.
A Pitt-led study found that early exposure to insecticides increases amphibian tolerance to those same insecticides later in life. The researchers also discovered that low-level carbaryl exposure stimulates the production of a key enzyme, making tadpoles more tolerant to lethal doses.
A team of researchers has discovered a second gateway that could turn the tide against mosquito-borne diseases. The discovery reveals a new receptor in the sodium channel that allows mosquitoes to survive exposure to insecticides.
New research by the University of Nottingham reveals that low levels of neonicotinoid insecticide can alter honeybee gene activity, affecting their development and lifespan. The study's findings support the European Commission's temporary ban on three such pesticides.
Researchers found a chemical that interferes with mosquito proteins, causing kidney failure and affecting flight capabilities. The discovery may lead to the development of new insecticides for combating malaria and dengue fever.
Two studies by the University of Pittsburgh researchers found that wood frogs living near agricultural fields are resistant to chlorpyrifos and other insecticides. This increased resistance may be an adaptation to frequent exposure to pesticides, which can harm amphibian populations.
A new discovery allows for expanded use of a mainstay biological pest control method, the sterile insect technique (SIT), which avoids health and environmental concerns. The approach involves mass release of radiation-sterilized insects that mate but produce no offspring, reducing pest populations.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that insect grooming, particularly antennal cleaning, helps maintain sharp olfactory senses. Grooming removes both environmental pollutants and chemicals produced by insects themselves, enabling them to detect food, danger, and potential mates effectively.
The completed genome sequencing of DBM provides insights into insect adaptation to host plants and opens new ways for more sustainable pest management. The study identified gene families involved in detoxification, including ABC transporters, P450 monooxygenases, glutathione S-transferases, and carboxylesterase.
Scientists have discovered several toxins in sea anemones that could be used as new generation of insecticides. These toxins disable ion channels, potentially leading to the development of pain and cardiac disorder treatments.
A new rearing technique for the parasitoid wasp Habrobracon hebetor has shown promise in conditioning the insects to survive storage at 41 degrees Fahrenheit. This method, which involves simulating reproductive diapause, could give commercial insectaries greater flexibility and reduce costs.
The apple flea weevil has reemerged as a significant pest in organic apple orchards, causing up to 90% damage. The authors discuss management options and highlight the need for proven methods in organic production.
UK scientists found that widely-used agricultural insecticides like neonicotinoids may not be the primary cause of honeybee colony collapse. Researchers repeated a flawed calculation and used a realistic birth rate, revealing the risk of colony collapse under pesticide exposure disappears.
A Cornell University scientist and designer from Africa have developed a fashionable hooded bodysuit embedded with insecticides to ward off mosquitoes infected with malaria. The garment, made with metal organic framework molecules, can provide extra protection throughout the day and last longer than traditional repellents.
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 have discovered that aphids' insect cells recycle nitrogen to build essential amino acids, contrary to previous thought. This finding suggests potential new targets for aphid-specific insecticides and highlights the complex interactions between the aphid and its bacterial symbiont.
A study is underway to document the consequences of low-dose exposure to organophosphates, a common pesticide that can impact nerves and cause chronic disabilities such as learning and memory problems. The researchers aim to identify ways to mitigate the effects of these chemicals on brain function.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology reveals that seeds coated with neonicotinoid insecticides cause widespread deaths of honeybees. The researchers found that even modified machines designed to reduce seed fragmentation still led to bee fatalities, highlighting the need for innovative solutions.
In Colombia, an integrated pest management (IPM) program for coffee berry borer successfully reduced insect damage and improved quality. The program involved harvesting fewer berries per tree, increasing parchment coffee bean quality, and increasing the proportion of high-quality specialty coffee sold.
A new study published in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management found that an integrated pest management (IPM) program significantly reduced the use of insecticides in University of Florida housing. The program led to a near-total elimination of hydramethylnon and other chemicals.
Researchers at Purdue University have found a link between honeybee deaths and exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides used on corn and soybean seeds. High levels of these pesticides were detected in talc waste, soil, and pollen collected by bees, suggesting that they may be contributing to bee deaths.
New research reveals that bed bugs can withstand high levels of inbreeding, allowing them to colonize and expand populations. This is a major contributing factor to the recent surge in infestations across the US and globally.
USDA scientists found that using insecticides specifically targeting whiteflies can reduce the need for broad-spectrum pesticides. The study showed that applying a single dose of whitefly-specific insecticide can control whitefly populations for the rest of the growing season.
A new study predicts that Europe's streams will be heavily polluted with insecticides in the future, particularly in Scandinavia and Central Europe. The researchers recommend drastically reducing pesticide use and setting up buffer zones to mitigate this issue.
A research team at Virginia Tech has discovered genetic mechanisms behind bed bug resistance to deltamethrin and beta-cyfluthrin. The study found multiple genes that enable the insects to detoxify these insecticides, making them less effective.
Scientists found that indoor spraying with bendiocarb dramatically reduced malaria transmission to near zero in Benin. The study's results provide reassurance that insecticides can still play a vital role in reducing the burden of malaria across Africa despite pyrethroid resistance.
Researchers found that organic triticale fields had five times as many plant species and 20 times more pollinating insects than conventional fields. The organic fields also had three times as many natural enemies of aphids and five times fewer aphids, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in managing pests.
A new study links increased insecticide use in the US Midwest to landscape change, finding that simplification of agricultural landscapes boosts crop pest pressure. The research suggests that preserving or restoring semi-natural lands can reduce the need for insecticides and contribute to agricultural economies.
A GLBRC study links agricultural landscape simplification to crop pest abundance and increased insecticide use. Perennial bioenergy crops, such as switchgrass and mixed prairie, may mitigate negative effects.
Researchers have created biocides with micro-encapsulation that are less toxic to the environment while maintaining effectiveness against airborne insects. The product also shows improved solubility in water and reduced handling difficulties.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant association between piperonyl butoxide, a common additive in pyrethroid formulations, and delayed mental development in young children. Children exposed to higher levels of PBO showed lower cognitive scores, similar to the impact of lead exposure.
A recent study on bedbugs has identified potential genes associated with pesticide resistance, shedding light on the mechanisms behind their increasing resilience to insecticides. The research may lead to the development of novel control methods that are more effective against these troublesome insects.
The Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) has received a $50 million grant to develop new insecticides for malaria and other neglected tropical diseases. The new funding will support the development of three new Active Ingredients for public health insecticides by 2020.
Researchers at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine develop a new technique to detect and monitor insecticide resistance in Anopheles funestus mosquitoes. The technique involves forcing female mosquitoes to lay eggs, which are then reared into adult mosquitoes to study levels of resistance to pyrethroid/DDT insecticides.
A modeling study found that high malaria transmission areas in Africa require additional tools beyond current interventions like artemisinin-combination therapy and bednets. Targeting outdoor-biting mosquitoes with new strategies may be necessary for achieving elimination in these areas.
Researchers at Purdue University have successfully mapped the genome of the body louse, a human parasite that spreads through contact. The study identified key receptors in the louse's nervous system, which could be targeted for developing new, effective insecticides to combat head lice resistance.
A study found that genetic mutations and pesticide exposure interact to increase men's risk for Parkinson's disease. Individuals with two variant alleles of the ABCB1 gene who were exposed to organochlorine insecticides had a stronger association with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers discovered that unroasted coffee beans contain globulins, which have an insecticidal effect on cowpea weevil larvae. The study suggests that these proteins could be inserted into food crops to produce natural insecticides.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review reveals a shortage of quantitative evidence on the effectiveness of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) against malaria. The method has been widely used since the 1950s, but its protective effect cannot be quantified due to limited studies.
Pyrethroids, widely used home pesticides, found in California rivers and sewage treatment outflow, posing threat to fish food supply and aquatic life. Researchers warn of potential toxicity to resident organisms in streams.
An insecticide-treated net program in Tanzania targets pregnant women and infants but suffers from attrition at each step. Researchers suggest simple changes to improve the program's success rate, which currently stands at 30%.
IVCC is showcasing its new Malaria Decision Support System (MDSS), a continuous surveillance system that integrates monitoring and evaluation data for malaria control programmes. The system will be demonstrated at the 5th Pan-African Multilateral Initiative on Malaria conference.
Researchers investigated deet's mode of action and toxicity, finding it inhibits the activity of a key central nervous system enzyme, acetycholinesterase, in both insects and mammals. This discovery questions the safety of deet, particularly when used with other chemicals.
Dr. G. V. P. Reddy's research aims to eliminate toxic insecticides by introducing a predatory mite and applying biopesticides, improving eggplant farming in Guam. The study will inform growers of the risks associated with conventional methods and promote ecologically sound IPM practices.
A clinical trial in Sri Lanka found no significant improvement in survival rates among patients treated with the WHO-recommended antidote pralidoxime, suggesting it may be harmful. Further trials are needed to explore the risks and benefits of oximes and dosing regimens.
Researchers at Cambridge University successfully cage individual molecules of white phosphorous, rendering it safe until release. The technique has potential to be used in cleaning up spills and handling other dangerous chemicals with greater safety.
A new study found a significant association between pesticide exposure and Parkinson's disease in French farm workers, especially those using organochlorine insecticides. The study suggests that environmental risk factors like professional pesticide exposure may contribute to neurodegeneration.
A £1.1m grant will lead the development of a Field Applicable Screening Tool (FAST) kit to detect insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, crucial for effective malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to identify genes that render mosquitoes resistant to key insecticides.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have received a $3.557 million grant from NIAID to develop vector-specific, resistance-breaking insecticides that could render traditional ITNs ineffective. The new compounds are designed to be safer for humans while maintaining significant insecticidal activity against malaria mosquitoes.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to controlling malaria by killing only older mosquitoes, reducing the selection for resistant insects. This method could lead to evolution-proof insecticides that never become obsolete, saving millions of dollars in development costs.