Crop Protection

Honeybee antiviral treatment research protects bees

United States Department of Agriculture scientists have developed a treatment designed to protect honeybees. Researchers USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) created the edible antiviral treatment that can be used to protect honeybees against Deformed Wing... more »

Tech allows growers to ‘eavesdrop’ on insects

Emily Bick, assistant professor of precision pest ecology and Extension specialist for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is compiling the ultimate playlist for her field of expertise. Bick runs the university’s Original Digital Entomology Lab. She... more »

Corteva sets sights on biologicals, technology

Corteva Inc. has launched a platform focused on agricultural innovations, including genome editing, biologicals and other natural products. Corteva Catalyst will partner with entrepreneurs and innovators to accelerate the development of early-stage, disruptive technologies that... more »

Bland Farms’ sweet success

Long before the family name became synonymous with the iconic Vidalia sweet onion, the Bland family was known for other crops. The third generation family operation began in 1948 when Raymond Bland started a 50-acre... more »

Pumpkins and resistance to powdery mildew

A plant’s genetic resistance to diseases is something researchers actively pursue across the country. In many specialty crops, the persistent diseases threaten to cut yields and growers’ bottom lines. Resistance, however, is not immunity, so... more »

Veg connections: Tips on choosing robotics

Weeds threaten the $79 billion specialty crop industry in the U.S. by reducing yields, harboring pests and pathogens and impeding harvest efforts. The evolution of herbicide resistance, a changing regulatory environment and shifting perceptions about... more »

Bactericide and fungicide receives EPA okay for potatoes

A bactericide and fungicide from Sym-Agro has received expanded EPA approval and is now registered for use in potatoes, among other crops. Instill is now approved for use in potatoes, hazelnuts, sugar beets and coffee, ... more »

Laser system controls bird pests

An autonomic laser bird control system helps reduce bird pests by providing non-lethal deterrence Ensuring the safe distance of birds from critical areas is a crucial concern for businesses, including ag operations, as avian presence... more »