Pest Control
Ridgefest updates industry on Michigan apple, cherry research
As old apple orchards are removed to make way for more valuable cultivars, apple replant disease can be an issue causing early decline of trees planted into old orchard ground. Replant disorder occurs when new... more »
Tiny wasps could add to anti-SWD pest defense plans
Collaborating researchers recently released tiny wasps in selected West Coast locations hoping they’ll establish and help control the spotted-wing drosophila fruit fly (SWD). Vaughn Walton, an Oregon State University entomologist, said he doesn’t expect the... more »
UGA releases parasitic wasp to control SWD
In a quiet field of abandoned blueberries and shrubby brush in south Georgia, Cera Jones released hundreds of tiny parasitic wasps into the thicket and watched them fly away, following their natural instinct to search... more »
Pest, disease controls keep Michigan blueberry growers busy
An online survey of Michigan blueberry growers confirmed the biggest challenges in 2021 involved insect control, with nearly 22% of respondents listing it as the top issue. But disease management challenges were quickly cropping up... more »
Customs officials halt pests at San Diego border crossing
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agricultural specialists recently intercepted two pests entering California from Mexico that were determined to be rare findings. The agricultural specialists stopped the pests at the Otay Mesa crossing in San... more »
Purdue sets Fruit, Vegetable and Hemp Field Day
Purdue specialists invite small- and large-operation farmers and growers to attend the Purdue Fruit, Vegetable and Hemp Field Day. The event is from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern July 21 at the Meigs Purdue... more »
BioSafe adds Alabama, Florida rep
Agricultural biologicals supplier BioSafe Systems LLC added Grant Kees to its Horticulture Division. Kees, who possesses a background in greenhouse production management, sales and irrigation system development, will represent the East Hartford, Connecticut-based BioSafe to... more »
USDA lab recognized for pandemic response
The staff members at a U.S. Department of Agriculture lab in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service have been recognized for their response during the pandemic. The Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program’s staff... more »