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Tag: PCR assay

Tropilaelaps clareae mite

Lab Test Rapidly IDs Potential Mite Pest of Honey Bees

Mites in the genus Tropilaelaps could follow in the footsteps of Varroa mites as significant threats to honey bees if they were to expand their range. A new test using analysis of the "melt curves" of DNA samples can discern the four known Tropilaelaps species and could be an important tool in surveillance for the mite pests in apicultural settings.

brown marmorated stink bug

Gut Check: How Stink Bugs’ Insides Illuminate Their Eating Habits

Brown marmorated stink bugs are generalist eaters, and finding them on one plant doesn't mean they haven't also been feeding on another. New research explores the potential of DNA analysis of stink bugs' gut contents to identify the plants they've eaten in the preceding two weeks.