Articles tagged with Entomology
Scientists at FAO and IAEA developed a larval rearing unit for efficient mosquito mass-rearing, promising to boost the Sterile Insect Technique's effectiveness. The new system maintains water temperature stability and minimizes evaporation, allowing normal larval development and reducing labor costs.
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.
A two-year study found that omnivore dung, including chimpanzee and human dung, is the most attractive to dung beetles. Native Nebraskan dung beetles showed little attraction to bison dung compared to exotic animal dungs.
The Asian fly species Drosophila suzukii is taking over European fruit, particularly cherries and red fruits, causing significant damages to crops. The study found that the fly can lay eggs in unaffected fruit, leading to destruction of the fruit by its larvae.
The study found that four of the six most commonly collected beetles were introduced species, suggesting they displaced native species due to available niches or competition. Dynamic and unique dung beetle diversity was observed on each farm, influenced by herd management practices.
The pecan weevil is a major pest of pecans in the southeastern US. Scientists from Oklahoma State University and Texas A&M University describe IPM strategies, including monitoring techniques and primary control methods. Biological control and livestock grazing are also considered for management.
A recent study examines ash tree removal and pesticide options to minimize urban forest loss due to Emerald Ash Borer infestations. The results show that insecticide treatments retain greater urban forest value, while preemptive removal without replacement is the least expensive option.
A new study suggests that native insect parasitoids in California can suppress the light brown apple moth population, with one species accounting for over 80% of larval parasitism rates. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these natural enemies in controlling the pest's spread.
Invasive crane fly species threaten northeast US sod industry quality and shipment safety. Recommended IPM strategies include monitoring, cultural management, and chemical control to prevent infestations.
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.
A new study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology reveals that methionine, a key amino acid essential for human nutrition, is effective against caterpillars threatening the U.S. citrus industry. Methionine disrupts an ion channel controlling nutrient absorption in larvae, leading to their death within two to three days.
A team led by UC Riverside entomologist Thomas Miller is traveling to Rwanda to help solve the mystery of a defect called 'potato taste' that's threatening the country's specialty coffee exports. The team aims to determine the cause of the defect and devise a strategy to eliminate it.
A new study assesses the potential reasons for the continued lack of success in preventing and controlling Lyme disease in the US Northeast. The study identifies critical areas where additional knowledge is needed to improve prevention and control strategies, including host infestation rates, habitat diversity, and human behavior.
Researchers release Tamarixia radiata, a parasitic wasp that kills Asian citrus psyllid nymphs, potentially reducing pest densities and protecting citrus trees in California. The natural enemy is part of a larger integrated management program for the invasive pest.
A new study shows that radiation can effectively sterilize the light brown apple moth (LBAM), an insect pest found in California. The method involves using a 250 Gy irradiation dose on pupae to induce over 95% sterility in females and males, reducing the need for pesticides.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered odorous house ants in Hawaii, forming large megacolonies that are outcompeting native species. The invasive ants are thriving in Hawaii's climate, which allows them to eat and expand faster than in their native range.
Researchers found that mosquitoes are attracted first to carbon dioxide, then to skin odors, which could lead to more effective mosquito traps. The study's findings provide crucial insights into how female mosquitoes locate human hosts for diseases like malaria and yellow fever.
Biologists have discovered that glow-in-the-dark millipedes use their bioluminescence as a warning signal to avoid attacks by nocturnal predators. In the experiment, four times more non-glowing millipedes showed evidence of predation compared to glowing ones.
Researchers successfully establish and release parasitic fly Cyzenis albicans to control invasive winter moths in four sites. The flies have shown active preying on the moth's young, marking a significant milestone in controlling defoliation of eastern Massachusetts trees.
The Entomological Society of America recognizes Marvin K. Harris, Gail E. Kampmeier, Kevin L. Steffey, and two others for their significant contributions to the field of entomology. These honorees have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the society through their service, research, and leadership.
UC Riverside researcher Joao Pedra to investigate immune system response to rickettsial infections, potentially leading to novel therapeutics against devastating tick-borne diseases.
University of Guam scientist Dr. Gadi V.P. Reddy is developing an integrated control strategy to manage sweetpotato weevil populations using pheromone traps and lethal fungi, eliminating toxic pesticides.
The i5k Initiative aims to sequence the genomes of 5,000 insects and other arthropods over five years. This will provide valuable information for developing new pesticides, understanding disease transmission, and controlling agricultural pests. The project's leaders invite entomologists worldwide to contribute to the effort.
May Berenbaum, an expert on bees and pollinators, receives the 2011 Tyler Prize for her groundbreaking research on declining bee populations. She has also made significant contributions to public understanding of science through her writing and advocacy.
Entomologists presented various methods of bed bug control, emphasizing prevention and non-chemical approaches. The summit highlighted the need for continued research into bed bugs, with a focus on improving public awareness and community involvement in control efforts.
Researchers discovered aphids on ginger and heliconia plants have genetic differences from those on banana plants, reclassifying them as a separate species Pentalonia caladii. This finding has significant implications for the biological control of banana aphids and preventing the spread of BBTV.
Researchers have developed 140 hemlock hybrids that are tolerant to the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), a devastating insect affecting eastern US forests. The most tolerant species is T. chinensis and its hybrids, which show good vigor and shape, providing a potential solution for saving US natural ecosystems.
A new study finds that transgenic corn's suppression of the European corn borer has saved $3.2 billion for corn growers in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin over the past 14 years. Non-Bt corn growers also benefited from yield savings without the cost of Bt technology fees.
Researchers at UC Riverside have sequenced the genome of Culex quinquefasciatus, a mosquito that spreads West Nile virus and other diseases. The study provides insights into the genetic makeup of the mosquito and could lead to novel strategies for preventing disease transmission.
The USDA research found that bee pastures can support the growth of healthy young bees by up to fivefold a year. The pastures feature native California plants such as Chinese houses and lacy phacelia, providing a practical and environmentally friendly way to promote pollinator populations.
Dr. Kenneth F. Raffa, a renowned expert in forest entomology, has been selected to deliver the Founders' Memorial Award lecture at Entomology 2010. He will honor the memory of Dr. Andrew Delmar Hopkins, considered the father of North American forest entomology.
Mark Hoddle, a UC Riverside entomologist, is searching for invasive pests that could threaten California's $320 million avocado industry. He has already collected over 300 pest-infected avocados from Peru and is working to identify natural enemies.
Consuelo De Moraes at Penn State has received a $100,000 grant to investigate the link between malaria infection and odor cues that attract mosquitoes. Her research aims to identify a chemical signature of malaria infection, potentially leading to new diagnostic tools.
May R. Berenbaum, a renowned entomologist, has been awarded the AAAS Public Understanding of Science and Technology Award for her extraordinary ability to integrate scientific discovery with public outreach. Her work has had a significant impact on fields such as chemical ecology, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
A common plant virus attracts aphids by elevating the odor cue of infected plants without changing it. The insects transmit the disease efficiently despite leaving quickly, implying a persistent mode of transmission beyond agriculture.
Michigan State University scientists found that diverse biofuel plantings attract more beneficial insects than single crops like corn. The research suggests that biofuel policies should consider the added benefits of insect attraction to inform policy decisions.
The Entomological Society of America has recognized outstanding achievements in entomology through its 2009 awards. Notably, Dr. Shripat T. Kamble received the Honorary Member award, while Dr. Timothy D. Paine was honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticultural Entomology.
Three UC Riverside entomologists, Timothy Paine, Bradley Mullens and Allison Hansen have won prestigious awards from the Entomological Society of America. Paine received the Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticultural Entomology for his work on improving integrated pest management of woody ornamental plants.
A $75,000 USDA grant will support environmentally friendly control tactics to reduce insecticide use and protect palm trees. Dr. Gadi V. P. Reddy's research team will develop pheromone traps and experiment with fungal spores to tackle the New Guinea sugarcane weevil threat.
Researchers at the University of Guam's WPTRC have secured funding from the EPA, USDA, and NOAA to address environmental concerns and improve agricultural practices on the island. The awards aim to develop ecologically sound pest management methods and protect endemic species.
Using integrated pest management (IPM) can significantly reduce cockroach populations and associated allergen concentrations in schools. A new study found that IPM is more effective than conventional methods in reducing asthma incidences among inner-city children.
UC Riverside entomologists discover that Argentine ants use a different mechanism to recognize dead nestmates, triggered by the dissipation of life chemicals. The researchers found that live ants produce both life and death chemicals, while dead ants only produce death chemicals, leading to their removal from the colony.
A rare beetle, Agrilus coxalis, has attacked 67 percent of oak trees in an area east of San Diego, threatening fire danger and wildlife habitats. The beetle's origin and spread are still unknown, but research is needed to determine its distribution, seasonal active periods, and natural enemies.
Researchers used acoustic equipment to analyze the spectral patterns of stridulations produced by Guam's coconut rhinoceros beetle, revealing distinct temporal patterns that aid in communication among beetles. The method allows for early detection of feeding grubs, saving money and lives of coconut trees.
Charles Summers, a University of California entomologist, has won the prestigious Woodworth Award for his contributions to entomology. He developed economic thresholds and management strategies for various crops, reducing pesticide use and improving yields.
A three-year study found that wild bees visit more flowers per minute and deposit more pollen than honey bees, making them potential blueberry pollinators. Growers can support natural bee populations by providing nesting materials, such as bamboo or reeds.
The Sibbett Group's interconnected garden design won the international bee-friendly garden competition from Häagen-Dazs and UC Davis. The garden will provide a year-round food source for honey bees and raise public awareness about their plight, aiming to inspire visitors to plant bee-friendly gardens.
Climate change is altering malaria patterns due to daily temperature fluctuations, which can affect the incubation period of malaria parasites in mosquitoes. This can lead to changes in transmission rates, with warmer temperatures potentially increasing the risk of infection.
Isolongifolenone, a natural compound found in the Tauroniro tree, has been proven effective in deterring mosquito bites and repelling ticks. The findings suggest that isolongifolenone could be a cost-effective alternative to DEET for protecting against blood-feeding arthropods.
The five-year, $4 million grant will support biodiversity field surveys, screen microbes and plants for applications to human health and energy needs. The research aims to conserve endangered species and develop local conservation efforts in Indonesia's tropical forests.
Researchers found that smaller mosquitoes have higher infection rates and potential to transmit dengue virus than larger individuals. The study suggests that control strategies may benefit from producing larger, less competent adult mosquitoes in terms of infection, potentially mitigating dengue transmission.
A UC Davis team developed an integrated pest management (IPM) program for almond growers, resulting in a 77% reduction in pesticide use. The program, implemented over six to eight years, used biological, cultural, and reduced-risk alternatives.
Consuelo M. De Moraes, a Penn State entomologist, has received the ESA's Early Career Innovation Award for her innovative research on chemical communication in ecological interactions. The award recognizes her contributions to promoting minority and women in science.
A new article in American Entomologist reveals that Formosan subterranean termites played a significant role in the destruction of New Orleans' floodwall system. The termite species, originating from China, was found to have caused major breaks in the levees by digging networks of tunnels and undermining the structure.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a low-cost, easy-to-prepare attractant that lures blood-fed mosquitoes without causing human discomfort. The synthetic mixture of trimethylamine and nonanal is equivalent to current attractants but odorless to humans.
A UCR graduate student has discovered a new bacterial pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous, closely related to citrus greening disease, that causes yellowing of tomato and potato leaves. The bacterium is vectored by the tomato/potato psyllid into host plants, resulting in yield losses up to 85% in commercial crops.
The journal will play a key role in the Asia-Pacific Region's entomological research community, publishing original research papers and review articles. Elsevier has agreed to publish the journal on behalf of three societies, aiming to promote leading entomological research from Asia and worldwide.
Researchers at Purdue University have found that a single dose of insecticide can kill three generations of German cockroaches. The study shows that the insecticide is transferred horizontally from one cockroach to another, leading to a significant mortality rate among the infected insects.
The Brown Argus butterfly has expanded its range northwards in Britain, likely due to warmer temperatures. This shift may allow the species to evade some of its natural enemies, such as parasitoids.
A team of international collaborators, led by Academy entomologist Brian Fisher, creates a conservation map for Madagascar by analyzing distribution data from 2,315 species. The proposed locations for new protected areas preserve the maximum number of species, providing a valuable model for biodiversity hotspots worldwide.