Pest Control

IR-4: Curbing use of neonicotinoids may cause ‘great disruption’ to ag

The IR-4 project established by the USDA provides information to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support use of neonics imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin in specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables and nuts; analysis concludes... more »

Purdue study shows value of IPM on corn, watermelon

Many farmers rent bee hives to pollinate crops, but they could tap into the free labor of wild bees by adopting an as-needed approach to pesticides, a new proof-of-concept study shows. A multiyear study of... more »

COO Karel Bolckmans named chief technology officer at Biobest

Biobest announced Nov. 4 that Karel Bolckmans, currently chief operating officer, will soon take up the new position of chief technology officer. As chief technology officer, Bolckmans will focus on development of new products and... more »

Florida’s wildlife, natural areas, crops threatened by tegu spread

Argentine black and white tegus have spread and established populations in and around Florida at a rapid and growing rate demonstrating critical implications for native wildlife, numerous natural areas, and even restoration efforts for Everglades National Park. Highlights Argentine black and white tegus are one of the... more »

Watch for high silverleaf whitefly activity in Southeast

Large populations of silverleaf whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) have become more common during the fall in the southeastern United States, including Alabama. This increase has resulted in a reduction in the yield of vegetable crops affected... more »

Plants can prepare for insect attack sequence

Plants are under attack by a variety of insect species. They have defense mechanisms to deal with this, including chemicals or sturdier leaves. But it’s now been found that when wild black mustard plants defend... more »

First commercial industry partnership signed by Bee Vectoring Technologies

Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. announced Oct. 14 its first commercial agreement with BIOGARD, a division of CBC (Europe) S.r.l., a l bioprotectant company in Europe. Through the agreement, BVT will have exclusive access to... more »

Grants target major threats of pests, weeds to Virginia agriculture

A pair of grants awarded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension will help tackle two of agriculture’s greatest threats: pests and weeds. A one-year, $210,000 grant will support... more »