insects

California ag officials toured invasive pest programs

Despite this unprecedented level of infestations, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the USDA in collaboration with County Agricultural Commissioners announced that, after a year of hard work, all populations of invasive fruit... more »

The Fertilizer Institute awards biostimulant certification to Valent BioSciences

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has awarded Valent BioSciences its third Certified Biostimulant certification for its Transit 500 biostimulant. The certification is part of TFI’s new program designed to ensure biostimulants meet rigorous standards for efficacy,... more »

National Plant Board recognizes Georgia Plant Protection Division

The National Plant Board (NPB) is recognizing the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s (GDA) Plant Protection Division. The plant board has bestowed an Outstanding Team Performance award for 2024 to the division. The division, based in... more »

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 »