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11/06/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Researchers look at two parasitoids from Pakistan as potential natural pest control

The fruit orchards of California are under attack by Asian citrus psyllids (Diaphorina citri). These insect pests spread the huanglongbing disease that kills profitable citrus plants. To combat them, researchers are using two parasitoid wasps from Pakistan, the original home of the psyllid menace. The psyllids are an invasive species from southern Asia that first […]

11/03/2018 / By RJ Jhonson

An organic compound found in chrysanthemums can control the rosy apple aphid

A study published in Biological Agriculture & Horticulture tells of how pyrethrins, natural compounds found in chrysanthemums, effectively kill rosy apple aphids, providing organic farmers with additional means to control the pests and to prevent them from becoming an even worse problem. Rosy apple aphids can be a significant headache for organic apple farmers. When […]

10/24/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Looking at alternative approaches to pest control

In response to the devastating huanglongbing disease sweeping through California’s citrus orchards, researchers are testing a biological control program. They are using two wasps from Asia that are natural enemies of the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), an invasive species of insect that spreads the bacteria responsible for the disease. The study was supported by the University of California Riverside. […]

10/23/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Organic farming promotes better plant biodiversity

Vineyards are an ancient and valuable means of agriculture in the southern reaches of Europe. Although many have been taking up organic farming in recent years, most continue to manage their crops through the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Spanish researchers evaluated how the adoption of organic farming methods could further benefit the agricultural […]

10/23/2018 / By RJ Jhonson

Pyrethrins are a good alternative for controlling rosy apple aphid in apple trees

Rosy apple aphids cause permanent and costly damage to apple trees. A study published in Biological Agriculture & Horticulture has suggested that pyrethrin, organic compounds derived from chrysanthemums, can be used in organic farming as an alternative to neem-derived compound azadirachtin. Azadirachtin is the most effective active compound against rosy apple aphids. It is derived from […]

10/21/2018 / By Michelle Simmons

Ditch those toxic synthetic insecticides… Try citrus essential oil instead

Time to ditch those toxic, cancer-causing chemical insecticides and use natural ones instead. Researchers continue to search for natural pesticides that won’t harm human and environmental health. In a study published in the journal Crop Protection, it was found that citrus essential oil can be used to control pests like vineyard mealybugs. Mealybugs are pests […]

09/07/2018 / By Rhonda Johansson

Moving away from chemicals: Consumer demand for cleaner food has researchers exploring plant-based extracts to protect against insects

The concept of achieving food independence is a lofty goal, but one which will not likely happen in the near future. It is evident that we still need to rely on big food manufacturers for our daily meals, even as we pray that what we put into our mouth is not laced with the various […]

08/23/2018 / By Michelle Simmons

Natural pest management: Peach farmers are reducing crop loss to stink bugs by planting grains to lure them away

Scientists from Auburn University in the U.S. found a way to manage pest naturally. They discovered that planting different grain crops attract pests away from the fruit, resulting to lesser crop loss. For the study, the research team analyzed six winter host crops and six summer host crops as possible trap crops or attractant crops for […]

05/26/2018 / By Zoey Sky

A simple guide to creating a pollinator-friendly garden

Bees and butterflies do more than fly around flowers. As a homesteader, it is important to understand the role of pollinators in keeping the plants in your garden thriving. Pollination is the process by which insects – like bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and honeybees – called pollinators help move pollen from one plant to another to facilitate fertilization. If your […]

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