Here We Go Again: Another Invasive Pest in Florida Citrus
The mealybug species Nipaecoccus viridis, known as the lebbeck mealybug, is originally from Asia and was first found in Florida back in 2009, but in late 2018 it was found infesting citrus groves in the state. The author of a new report in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management discusses the implications of its arrival and the management options that are currently available and under evaluation.
Impostor Syndrome, Bias, and Doubt: Overcoming Barriers to Honoring All Entomologists
Despite an increasingly diverse profession, awards and recognition in entomology are not diversifying accordingly. What's to blame, and how can we improve? One entomologist issues a call to action for the entomological community to commit to lifting up and honoring the achievements of students and professionals from underrepresented groups in our field.
Fruit DNA in Invasive Flies’ Guts Could Help Track Their Dispersal
A recent study at North Carolina State University shows that DNA analysis of spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) flies can detect whether they fed on strawberries as much as seven days prior. Researchers hope the proof of concept will lead to more accurate analysis of the invasive pest's dispersal in the field.
How an “Insect Ecologist at Heart” Got Focused on Pest Management Research
Lauren Diepenbrock, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University and soon to be an assistant professor at the University of Florida, says she enjoys "figuring out how insects, particularly invasive species, make use of the available resources to be successful."