Study Shows Elevation Affects Fly’s Use as Natural Enemy of Invasive Weed
In Nepal, the gall-inducing eupatorium gall fly (Procecidochares utilis) is deployed as a biological control agent against the invasive weed Ageratina adenophora. A new study by researchers at Tribhuvan University and the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management shows size and abundance of galls induced by the fly are influenced by elevation, knowledge that can help in fine-tuning P. utilis-based biocontrol efforts.
Biological Control for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Where Do We Stand?
A new report in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management shows that a beetle species released into the wild as a natural enemy of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid appears to be successfully establishing in urban environments in addition to forest settings.
A Promising New Parasitoid Drills Down on Emerald Ash Borers
In a recent study, the wasp Spathius galinae successfully established wild populations and outperformed other parasitoids in attacking invasive emerald ash borers in three northeastern states in the U.S. Researchers say it could become a useful biological control agent to protect native ash trees.
New Review Examines the Promise of Habitat Management for Pest Control
In a new special collection on trap and cover crops in integrated pest management, experts review the latest research on various habitat-management methods and their applications in both deterring pest populations and fostering natural enemies of crop pests.