insects

MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics names new director

Jan Byrne has been promoted to lead Michigan State University’s (MSU) Plant & Pest Diagnostics department. She succeeds Ray Hammerschmidt, who plans to retire. Byrne, who holds a doctoral degree, has worked at MSU as... more »

Andermatt Group acquires BioTEPP to enhance biological crop protection

Andermatt Group AG acquired Canadian company BioTEPP Inc. on July 9, 2024, to strengthen its global biological crop protection focus. BioTEPP is known for its flagship biopesticide, VirosoftTM CP4, which targets codling moth and oriental... more »

Smart tech wipes out pests: The latest trends in spraying automation

Innovative spraying technology can help manage pests and diseases threats, which can significantly harm fruit and tree nut crops, affecting yield and quality. The new tech helps ensure healthy trees and abundant production. Responsible use... more »

Pearson Farm’s six generations find orchard happiness

Run by fifth- and sixth- generation family members, Pearson Farms planted its first peach trees in 1885. Pecan trees were added in the 1930s. Lanier and Lawton Pearson. Photos courtesy Pearson... more »

Talking tech: New app innovations aid growers

Farming has forever been changed by technology, with new innovations helping growers of fruit, vegetables and tree nuts improve things such as pest management, disease monitoring and data collecting. One of the biggest help to... more »

FieldWatch partners with Georgia ag dept. on pesticide safety

A partnership between Georgia and a nonprofit mapping operation is designed to promote safe pesticide handling. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is partnering with FieldWatch to introduce new technology aimed at promoting safe pesticide... more »

Invasive spotted lanternfly confirmed in Michigan

The invasive spotted lanternfly has been found in a Michigan county. Michigan officials have confirmed the state’s second detection of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) in Monroe County. SLF is a destructive pest that feeds... more »

UF study: strawberry growers can use fewer pesticides to control chilli thrips

A University of Florida research shows how strawberry growers can use fewer pesticides to control a destructive pest. An invasive pest in the southeastern U.S.. chilli thrips was introduced from Southeast Asia. The first report... more »

FieldWatch highlights locations of organic crops, bees

An online mapping registry that allows organic growers and beekeepers to alert commercial pesticide applicators and neighbors who farm about sensitive acreage continues to gain interest across the U.S. FieldWatch, a nonprofit that provides the... more »

MSU to host 2024 preharvest blueberry Extension twilight meeting

The Michigan State University blueberry team is inviting blueberry growers to attend this year’s preharvest blueberry Extension twilight meeting. MSU’s 2024 preharvest Extension meeting is scheduled for June 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.... more »