In the forests and parks of Mediterranean Europe, a tiny invader is causing big problems. The tortoise scale insect, known as Toumeyella parvicornis, is spreading quickly among stone pine trees. This pest has already made its way into three European countries, and experts are worried about its poten
Insecticides are a big deal in the world of farming. They help control pests but can be a problem for tiny, helpful creatures like Trichogramma ostriniae. This tiny wasp is a big helper in managing pests in agroforestry. But, the widespread use of insecticides can harm it. Four insecticides were te
Forest pests and diseases have been causing serious trouble for forest ecosystems in recent times. To tackle this issue, the government has been offering carbon incentives to companies that take on the task of managing these pests and diseases. This approach involves different ways of working togeth
Fall armyworms are a type of moth that travels long distances. Their food is very important for their survival and reproduction. Carbohydrates are a key part of their diet. These carbs come from different plants and sugars. Scientists wanted to see how different types of carbs affect the moths' abil
In the world of pest control, it turns out that having a diverse team of predators can make a big difference. These teams, made up of different species, often do a better job at keeping pests in check compared to a single species. This is especially true when each predator has its own unique way of
In the never-ending battle against pesky pests, scientists are always on the lookout for natural allies. One such ally is the tiny wasp, Trichogramma chilonis, which targets the eggs of the Helicoverpa species. These wasps are superheroes in tomato fields, where Helicoverpa pests can cause significa
Imagine a world where mosquitoes could be their own worst enemy. Australian researchers have come up with a fascinating idea: genetically modify male mosquitoes so their semen is toxic to females. This might sound a bit wild, but it could be a game-changer in the fight against diseases like malaria
Ever wondered why some trees are more appealing to certain pests? Meet Casuarina equisetifolia, a coastal tree that's a favorite snack for the wood-boring pest Anoplophora chinensis. These pests love to munch on Casuarina trees, but scientists found something interesting: a molecular switch called C
The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella, is a big problem for potato farmers everywhere. So far, the main way to deal with it is by using chemical pesticides, which are not great for the environment or people's health. Scientists have been looking for better ways to control PTM. They fo
Did you know insects sometimes use smells to talk to each other? These tiny creatures may seem like they're just buzzing around, but they're actually communicating through chemical signals called pheromones. For a long time, scientists thought most of these pheromones were made from fats. But guess
