Articles tagged with Insects
Researchers discovered that touching plants can affect insect feeding behavior, with some species experiencing increased leaf area loss and death when visited. The study suggests that future ecological studies should consider the potential effects of researcher interactions on plant biology.
Researchers at Cornell University have found that releasing an early army of beneficial Trichogramma ostriniae wasps can halve European corn borer damage. The study suggests that growers only need to release around 30,000 wasps per acre and that subsequent releases may not be necessary.
Researchers found that field refuges made of non-Bt plants can prevent insects from developing resistance to Bt-engineered crops. The study demonstrated the importance of carefully managing insects within these refuges to ensure their effectiveness.
Scientists can estimate ancient atmosphere mass and composition using mayfly fossils due to their consistent flight mechanism, which records air density. The study suggests the atmosphere's mass remained relatively constant over the last quarter-billion years.
Researchers have identified four new limonoids in Spanish cedar leaves that repel a specific insect pest, potentially helping protect endangered primary forests. Selecting seedlings with high concentrations of these substances may aid plantation-raised Spanish cedars and reduce the need for synthetic insecticides.
Researchers have identified principles for insect flight that will help design and construct tiny robotic flies. The Micromechanical Flying Insect project aims to develop a robotic fly that can fly short distances and maintain stable hover
A recent study found that tomato plants artificially stimulated with chemical jasmonic acid attract parasitic wasps, which kill twice as many caterpillars on treated plants. This natural defense mechanism can be used to develop environmentally friendly agricultural pest control methods.
Researchers at Kansas State University found that bug zappers can spread microorganisms including viruses, potentially causing harm to humans. The devices may not be effective in controlling insect populations, as they indiscriminately kill beneficial insects and only kill a small percentage of damaging insects.
Researchers have discovered a new species of wasp where males dominate the nest, chasing and biting females. Males consume much food gathered by workers, while females remain submissive.
Researchers May R. Berenbaum and Arthur R. Zangerl found that webworms and parsnips in the Midwest have adapted to each other, with levels of detoxification enzymes matching those of defensive compounds produced by plants. This suggests a reciprocal evolutionary change between interacting species.
The USDA has developed two innovative devices to help farmers control insects that devastate their crops. The Aerodynamic Transport Body (ATB) is a clay pigeon-like catapult that launches parasitic wasps at high speeds, while the Mite Meter is an insulated dispenser that keeps tiny mites immobile until they hit the ground. These device...
Researchers discovered that female paper wasps sit and wait for opportunities to adopt orphaned nests or hijack others, a risky behavior with high reproductive benefits. Adopting the most mature nests allows these queens to produce workers quickly, increasing colony survival.
Scientists have identified a new family of insecticidal toxins produced by Photorhabdus luminescens, which are active against a wide range of insects and at least as potent as Bt. The discovery holds promise for the future of natural pest control, particularly in the face of increasing resistance to Bt.
Scientists have discovered a new bacterium, Photorhabdus luminescens, with a toxin effective against a broad range of insect pests. The bacteria can be used as a spray or fed directly to insects, and its genetic material has been licensed for use in crop plants.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered a unique behavior in paper wasps called 'male-stuffing,' where females aggressively force males into empty nest cells to limit their food consumption. This behavior may maximize worker wasps' inclusive fitness and contribute to the colony's fitness.
Scientists have discovered that two parasitic wasps, Spalangia endius and Spalangia nigoraenea, can efficiently control stable and house flies in Illinois. This finding has significant implications for the state's agricultural industry and public health.
A Cornell University study reveals that insects, including crickets, possess categorical perception - the ability to distinguish between 'friend' and 'foe' sounds. Researchers used a test originally developed for human infants to demonstrate this ability in crickets, finding a dividing line at 16kHz.
A new bait made of natural substances has been discovered that kills cockroaches by disrupting their uric acid production, a crucial resource for survival. The bait, developed by Dr. Heather Wren, is effective against both resistant and susceptible strains and shows promise in controlling large populations of German cockroaches.
Biologists at Cornell and Washington universities have genetically engineered rice plants to resist some of the most destructive insects as well as salt and drought damage. The technology will be given to developing countries under a Rockefeller Foundation grant.