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
In the lush gardens of Nanjing, a silent battle is unfolding. Azaleas, those vibrant and beloved plants, are under attack. Over the past few years, about 15% of Rhododendron simsii plants in nurseries have shown signs of wilting and yellowing. The culprit? A sneaky pathogen causing crown and root ro
The struggle against fire blight, a severe bacterial infection, has been a long and challenging one for apple and pear farmers. This disease, caused by Erwinia amylovora, has been a major headache for over 100 years. But there might be a new hero in this ongoing battle. A unique bacterium, named NSD
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
Sprouts are packed with nutrients and easy to grow. But there is a problem. Microbes love them too. In recent years, up to 40% of sprouts have been lost due to microbial contamination. This is a big issue. It is important to find better ways to control microbes and reduce these losses. Current
Ever wondered how mating impacts the lifespan and baby-making abilities of tiny predators? A recent study dived into the world of Phytoseiulus persimilis, a mighty mite that feasts on spider mites. Researchers looked at how often these mites get to mate, when they first do it, and how experienced th
Ever wondered how tiny microbes can control the lives of insects? Well, scientists discovered that the weevil Ceratapion basicorne, used to fight a weed called yellow starthistle, has a problem. In labs where these weevils are controlled, many of them end up being female. This isn't natural; usually
