Fruit Fly Infestation Discovered In East County Nov 14, 2008
The sterile flies will mate with fertile female flies, but produce no offspring, thereby eradicating the pest. Crews will also conduct ground treatments within a 200-meter radius from where the Medflies were detected. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Fern shares Boston name, but not the cold Nov 13, 2008
One of my pet peeves is the indiscriminate use of pesticides against imagined pests. Tons of insecticide are used against lawn grubs each year, when this insect is a very minor pest in most landscapes ... Cacti are not likely to have any insects pests on them. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
New orange crop could face obstacles Nov 12, 2008
California navel orange growers say they may have a promising season this year -- if they can avoid a major freeze and dodge a citrus pest ... "Last season, prices were so low, I'm not even sure it was a break-even year for some people."And while prices are improving for citrus growers, looming on the horizon is the continued battle against a tiny citrus pest with the potential to carry a deadly disease. (Fresno Bee)
Plant Virus Spreads By Making Life Easy For Crop Pests Nov 11, 2008
Now, new research shows how cunning an enemy one of these ancient viruses can be, manufacturing a protein that deforms and sterilizes plants and at the same time wrecks their defenses against the pests that spread the disease to others ... But it also suppresses the plants jasmonic acid response, a defense mechanism against pests feeding on the plants ... The result is that the pests in this case whiteflies that plague tobacco plants flourish in the diseased crop, spreading the virus faster and... (Science Daily)
Boll weevils near extinction in Mississippi Nov 10, 2008
- A small insect pest that drove many Mississippi cotton farmers to the brink of despair a few years ago now finds its days numbered ... Farmers had to carefully keep track of the weevil's life cycle so they would know when to spray to keep the pests somewhat in check, he said. (Anchorage Daily News)
The coqui frog more than a noisy nuisance Nov 9, 2008
In its 2007 report to the Legislature, the state Department of Agriculture leaves no doubt about the necessity of controlling this pest. A hardy creature with no natural predators here, the coqui frog reproduces far more rapidly in Hawai'i than its native Puerto Rico by one estimate on the Big Island, about five times as much per 20-by 20-meter lot. (Honolulu Advertiser)
4,000 farmers to benefit from Millennium Authority Assistance Nov 9, 2008
Nana Asante said 59,400 acres of cocoa farms for 6,141 farmers were expected to be sprayed under the mass cocoa spraying exercise to control cocoa diseases and pest control (CODAPC), to increase production in the area. He advised against bush fires, to enhance the production of cash crops and other agriculture produce in the district. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Norman Edwards: 2009 Master Gardener Program Nov 8, 2008
The Master Gardener Program provides 40 hours of horticulture training on topics about gardening, landscaping, soils, nutrient needs of plants, vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, pest control (insects, weeds and disease) and much more. Graduates are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer time to the UGA Cooperative Extension Service within the first year after course completion. (WWalker County Messenger, GA)
Ocean Watch: The Asian carp is now a danger in U.S. waters Nov 8, 2008
The other Asian carp causing trouble is called bighead carp, and its story is similar to the silver: native to China; imported by an aquaculture farmer; raised for algae control; escaped during flooding; now a pest like its silver cousin ... The other Asian carp causing trouble is called bighead carp, and its story is similar to the silver: native to China; imported by an aquaculture farmer; raised for algae control; escaped during flooding; now a pest like its silver cousin. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Data lacking to link moth spray to health woes Nov 8, 2008
A long-awaited review of a pesticide that was sprayed on 83,500 acres near Santa Cruz and Monterey last year to fight a pest moth concludes there is not enough information to tell if there is a link between the spray and health problems reported by residents ... The new review fulfills a request made by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to conduct some basic tests on pesticides under consideration to fight the light brown apple moth, including Checkmate, the pheromone product used in the two counties... (San Francisco Chronicle)
The King of Mums (11) Nov 8, 2008
In 1945, Ted King finished his stint with the U.S. Navy and went to work for a pest control company in Castro Valley ... The cheerful and amiable King started cultivating many different mums and opened a mail order business in 1954 that he operated when he wasn't plying the pest control trade. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Being Unique Has Advantages: 'Rareness' Key To Some Insects Being Favored By Evolution Nov 7, 2008
In the study conducted by Dr Andrew Weeks and Prof Ary Hoffmann from the University of Melbourne, the reproduction of a major agricultural pest, the blue oat mite (Penthaleus major) was examined ... "Controlling pests is like an arms race between us and the pests normally we don't expect asexuals to do well in this race, but in this case the asexuals might even win out" ... 20, 2007) New research has revealed so-called 'Jekyll and Hyde' bacteria, suggesting a novel way to control insect pests... (Science Daily)
Get Reacquainted With Soybean Rust, Aphids This Winter Nov 7, 2008
The University of Wisconsin Nutrient and Pest Management program has published a Visual Guide to the Number of Soybean Aphids per Leaflet to help growers with scouting. Copies can be ordered from the NPM Program at 608-265-2660 or it can be viewed online at. (Agri-View, WI)
Kailua on alert for coqui frogs Nov 5, 2008
To report a suspected presence of coqui frogs, call the state Pest Hotline at 643-7378. The Kailua Neighborhood Board will discuss the frogs at its next meeting, 7 p.m. Thursday at Kailua District Park. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Fungus Pitted Against Apple Pest Nov 5, 2008
In earlier studies, they showed that a blend of alcohols, esters and other gases released by the fungus Muscodor albus killed adult potato tuber moths and larvae, costly pests of stored tubers ... The Wapato team's investigation of M. albus falls under a larger program to diminish reliance on synthetic chemical controls by using biocontrol agents in an integrated pest management approach ... The fungal gases even reached larvae that burrowed inside apples, killing 73 percent of the pests. (Science Daily)
Purr-fectly 'Green' Cat Care Tips Nov 4, 2008
Just as added hormones or pesticides in your food aren't good for you, they're not good for your cat, either ... Change your pet's water and food bowl regularly to eliminate potential disease, insect or other pest infestations. (Pekin Times, IL)
Chrysanthemums at Riverbanks Botani... Nov 4, 2008
Pest and disease problems are minor. Aphids and spider mites can be controlled with forceful sprays of water to the underside of leaves. (Suite101.com)
GARDEN Q & A: Don't rush to put new cocoa mulch in yard Nov 4, 2008
My pest control company wanted to apply a type of fertilizer last week, and I thought it might be a bad idea ... Your pest control operator was applying a winterizer blend, which contains a little bit of very slow-release nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ... Apples and pears also have to be sprayed, consistently, five times with fungicides and pesticides. (Florida Times-Union)
Tiny frog sets off big alert in Kailua Nov 3, 2008
If you find coqui frogs, call the Agriculture Department's pest hot line at 641-PEST (7378) ... If you find coqui frogs, call the Agriculture Department's pest hot line at 641-PEST (7378). (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
State working to contain bee parasites Nov 2, 2008
"The detection of one varroa mite very close to the initial positive site gives us hope that the mites have not traveled far," Neil Reimer, agency plant pest control manager, said in a statement ... Since the first case was discovered on the Big Island, pest control teams have collected 261,500 bees and found 45 mites among the sample ... Varroa mites are among the most destructive pests of honey bees, and could threaten pollination of flowers and food crops statewide if the mites spread. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Inland Ants Often Prefer Salt Over Sugar, Implying Salt May Be A Limitation On Their Activity Nov 2, 2008
Dudley, Yanoviak and Kaspari instigated the study after spending several "intolerable" days doing research on insects in the treetops of Peru, near the headwaters of the Amazon River and far from the Pacific Ocean - an area that contrasts starkly with the relatively pest-free treetop conditions in Panama, where no place is more than 25 kilometers from the ocean ... 15, 2001) The tiny black Argentine ant is well known as a household pest. (Science Daily)
Senegal: Govt Celebration of Farming Initiative 'Premature' Nov 1, 2008
"The number of seeds and fertilisers distributed, the amount of rain and pest levels contributed to this year's yield," he told IRIN.. Senegal saw good rains in 2008 compared to a late, short rainy season in 2007. (allAfrica.com)
Squirrel Birth Control Planned At UC Davis Nov 1, 2008
"The chief reason we have so many potential pests is that we have 5,300 acres of attractive habitats, from dining halls to woodlands and from student gardens to almond orchards," Genito said in a prepared statement. "And it's our obligation to be good property managers, so pest problems do not spill over to our neighbors' homes, parks, restaurants and farms.". (KCRA 3, CA)
W.Va. a red state among swing states Oct 31, 2008
Marshall County Clerk Jan Pest said that is part of the region's makeup ... " Whatever the reason, Ms. Pest said, this election has the people of Marshall County stirred up. More than 2,000 residents had taken part in early voting by Wednesday. The results of the election, if they reflect the polls, will be telling. "I think it'll be closer than the last election, but I don't think Obama can win this state," Mr. Lee said. "But just the fact that a black man is running a close race in West... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
* Saved by the spud Oct 30, 2008
Their goal: to discuss advances in potato farming, like the development of pest and drought-resistant strains that could be used in poorer countries ... In poor countries, farmers seed new potatoes using leftovers from the previous years crop, which are often infected with pests. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Invading bugs ravage our forests Oct 30, 2008
In Georgia s rugged mountain forests and its lush maritime woods on the coast, ecological tragedies of great consequence are unfolding alarming die-offs of native trees from exotic insect pests ... Hardly any area of the 750,000-acre Chattahoochee National Forest is untouched by the voracious pest. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
To counter problems of food aid, try spuds Oct 26, 2008
Their goal: to discuss advances in potato farming, like the development of pest- and drought-resistant strains that could used in poorer countries. Potatoes are a good source of protein, starch, vitamins and nutrients like zinc and iron. (International Herald Tribune)
Building A Better Bee Oct 24, 2008
The bees are very gentle, very hygienic and very productive, and hopefully will confer increased resistance to pests and disease ... Although we spend a considerable amount of time trying to find short-term fixes to our honey bee disease and pest control problems, in the long run, the genetic solution of resistant stocks will be a better solution ... Our focus, Cobey said, is to identify, select, and enhance honey bee stocks that show increasing levels of resistant to pests and diseases. (Science Daily)
Quarantine zone Oct 24, 2008
The quarantine will be in place for at least a few months, until three lifecycles of the moth have passed without more pests being found in the zone ... The Light Brown Apple Moth was first confirmed in California in 2007, prompting statewide action to eradicate the pest. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Drought resistance is the goal, but methods differ Oct 23, 2008
But the drought-tolerant plants, which also contained a second gene to protect their roots from a pest, were a little greener and a few inches taller than the comparison plants, and their cobs were missing fewer kernels. Monsanto said the improvement was significant. (International Herald Tribune)
Legal rights when critters are a nuisance Oct 23, 2008
I also get letters like the above, from frustrated gardeners who do not share the qualms of some about killing animals that are pests ... For more on legal means of trapping and killing nuisance animals, see the book Wildlife Pest Control Around Gardens and Homes, Second Edition, Salmon, Whisson, , UC Davis, ANR Publication 21385, 2006, available at or by calling (800) 994-8849. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Diversity Decreases Risk Of Parasitic Disease Oct 22, 2008
Since then, reports of deformed amphibians have become widespread in the United States, leading to speculation they were being caused by factors like pesticides, increased ultraviolet radiation or parasitic infection ... 11, 2007) Though considered a pest because of the culvert-clogging dams it builds on streams, the beaver is an ally in conserving valuable wetland habitat for declining amphibian populations, a University of. (Science Daily)
Teen arrested in tagging Oct 22, 2008
Other victims include Carroll's Tire Warehouse, Badasci Tire, Shoop Chiropractic, Kings County Mobile Locksmith, Family Real Estate, Hedges Pest Control and numerous others, HPD officers reported. Investigators were able to quickly identify the suspected vandal as he apparently left his unique moniker on most of the buildings he defaced. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Green Gardening: Save Time, Money and the Environment Oct 22, 2008
Less disease problems and slower weed growth means your lawns -- not the pests -- benefit from the nutrients ... Be sure to remove any diseased or insect-infested plants to reduce the source of pest problems in next year's garden. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Dallas' Modano nets winner in Avery return to MSG Oct 21, 2008
NEW YORK - Mike Modano's third-period goal snapped a tie and lifted the slumping Dallas Stars to a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Monday night in the return to Madison Square Garden of noted pest Sean Avery. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
Avery booed in return to N.Y, but Stars win Oct 21, 2008
Avery made his presence felt upon his return to Manhattan after 1 seasons of being the resident Rangers pest. He didnt show up on the scoresheet Monday, but he walked out into the New York nightlife he relishes after he and the Dallas Stars skated off with a 2-1 victory. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Stars, Avery get win in return to Garden Oct 21, 2008
Advertisements The Associated Press Mike Modano's third-period goal snapped a tie and lifted the slumping Dallas Stars to a 2-1 NHL victory over the New York Rangers on Monday night in the return to Madison Square Garden of noted pest Sean Avery. Avery heard boos from the New York crowd that mostly adored him during his 1 1/2 seasons with the Rangers, cheers when he was leveled twice in the third period and mocking singsong chants of his name when he picked himself off the ice after a hit by Dan... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Read Article » Oct 21, 2008
The small, roachy-looking bloodsuckers have been spreading through the nation's homes and hotels at such a hyperventilated pace that by next year they are expected to displace cockroaches and termites as America's leading domestic pest insect. To better understand their habits, Sorkin has cultivated a personal bedbug colony very personal. (International Herald Tribune)
NHL Roundup: Modano lifts Stars in 2-1 road win (Today) Oct 21, 2008
Mike Modano's third-period goal snapped a tie and lifted the slumping Stars to a 2-1 victory against the Rangers last night in the return to Madison Square Garden of noted pest Sean Avery. Avery heard boos from the crowd that mostly adored him during his 1 1/2 seasons with the Rangers, cheers when he was leveled twice in the third period, and mocking singsong chants of his name when he picked himself off the ice after a hit by Dan Girardi. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Mangalore: Health of Fishes in Aquariums should be Studied, says VC Oct 21, 2008
Recent Subscribers nandini nandinisubhash, Bangalore, Indiacyprian menezes, kundapur, yemenSunil Dsouza, Mangalore, India Total Subscribers : 63485 (since March 2005). Tuesday, October 21, 2008 Search. (Daijiworld.com)
Former Fresno County ag official receives honor Oct 18, 2008
During his tenure, Prieto dealt with two devastating freezes, scorching heat, pest infestations and new regulations. He also was involved in helping to preserve farmland by serving on several committees, including the Fresno County Council of Governments Farmland Conservation Steering Committee. (Fresno Bee)
Business briefs Oct 18, 2008
Citrus pest discovered at 3 sites in Imperial CountyThe California Department of Food and Agriculture has detected Asian citrus psyllids in Imperial County, officials said Friday ... A single detection of the pest triggers a quarantine, so the detection of multiple psyllids has set that process in motion, officials said ... "These latest detections reinforce that Asian citrus psyllid is a dangerous pest of citrus," said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Diarrhoea and skin irritations among tomato growers in Fanteakwa Oct 18, 2008
Mr Ofosu said government's policy should be to motivate farmers to adopt effective integrated pest management strategies, which combined traditional farming methods, such as crop rotation, fallowing, and manual feeding with artificial pest controls in order to reduce present high-level agrochemical use. "Furthermore, full financial support should be available to any farmer wishing to adapt to organic farming practices," he said. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Salazar staff: Farm bill boosts farmers Oct 16, 2008
The bill also adds 230 million for research for specialty crops, including plant breeding, and pest and disease control. The meeting was a method to educate locals about the bill and the incentives involved, which include conservation and alternative energy. (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
Ghana joins the globe to mark World Food Day Oct 16, 2008
"Climate change will affect the suitability of land, for different types of crops, livestock, fish and pasture. It will also have impact on health and productivity of forest, the incidence of pest and diseases, biodiversity and ecosystems," the document said. It said the celebration of the Day should be an occasion for everyone to realise that the weakest members of the global family, would be affected the most by the events. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
OSU Extension holds open house Oct. 18 Oct 16, 2008
Prizes include rubber tubs for composting with worms and a two-hour consultation with McGrath, who is an expert on vegetable crops and will visit the winner's property to offer advice on topics ranging from soil to horticulture to pest management. More information on the Extension in Linn County is at. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Growing Better Bananas For Africa Oct 15, 2008
But Africa's potential banana boom is threatened by pests and diseases ... But every fallen stem is money and food lost to nematodes, a serious pest affecting bananas ... Just a 10-minute drive from Khosla Farm is the Kenya Agriculture Research Institute (KARI) in Mtwapa District, where farmers get advice on better production techniques and on how to control pests and diseases. (allAfrica.com)
Whacking weeds: Small town fights non-native plants Oct 15, 2008
Along with the likes of kudzu, English ivy and mimosa, the Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council considers privet a serious problem in the state. This semi-evergreen shrub introduced to the U.S. in 1852 grows fast and thick, particularly in a forest understory, according to the Exotic Pest Plant Council. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Bugs to be brought in to control foreign superweed invading the UK Oct 15, 2008
Cabi, a not-for-profit agricultural research organisation, has been sponsored by a range of public bodies to develop methods of "bio-control", where a natural enemy is used to control another pest, to control the weed. If the plans, which have been submitted to the Government for approval, go ahead it will be the first time in Europe bio-control has been used in Europe to fight a weed. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Exotic species of spiders make their homes in the UK Oct 14, 2008
Matt Shardlow, director of Buglife, told BBC News: "Other countries in the world take great care about what biological material they allow in, because it can contain pests that can damage our goods, our livelihoods, our health and our biodiversity. Our increasingly warm climate is starting to suit many more spiders Stuart Hine, Natural History Museum "Currently in the UK, we have a laissez-faire attitude - there is an open licence for people to bring in dangerous pests. " But a spokesperson for... (BBC News)
Insect invaders Oct 14, 2008
Professor Monique Simmonds, from the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, said: "This is a real potential pest." ... It has become a pest on rosemary, lavender and related plants, where it strips the leaves ... Scientists are still unsure whether the moths are damaging the trees, but some believe the insects may leave the trees more susceptible to other pests. (BBC News -- Science)
What Is Wild? Odor Attraction Is Different Among Different Wildtype Flies Oct 14, 2008
With the help of these traps, insect pests can be controlled, e.g. in vineyards and orchards. The traps are also used to monitor pest infestation levels in crop fields. (Science Daily)
Cranberry farm grows native crop organically Oct 14, 2008
Having been involved with growing the fruit through conventional means, he decided to take on the challenge of growing without chemical fertilizers and pesticides ... Pests are also a problem, but Stauner thrives on the challenge of using his integrated pest management system to protect the plants ... We have to be much more ahead of the curve with the pest population because we dont have that spray to save us. (Forest Republican, WI)
Plant-eating Japanese predator could control UK superweed Oct 13, 2008
If the proposal gets the go-ahead, it will be the first time that biocontrol - the use of a natural enemy to control another pest - will be used in Europe to fight a weed. All this week, BBC News will be taking a closer look at some of the alien invaders that are in the UK.. (BBC News)
Guide to organic gardening Oct 12, 2008
Accept adegree of imperfection and you'll learn to live without fertilisers and pesticides ... Choose naturally pest and disease resistant varieties of shrubs, vegetables and fruit ... Use biological controls to control many pest problems in the garden. (iAfrica.com)
Myers hits better than he pitches in Game 2 Oct 11, 2008
() General Eli's Pest Control now hiring 2 Registered Technicians. Apply in person: 1939 Kissingbower Rd. Call 706-738-8380 () Athens Top Jobs Retail | Clinical Position A fast paced medical office is looking for a full time pharmacist to work in our Winder | Lavonia locations. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Biological Alternatives To Chemical Pesticides Oct 11, 2008
10, 2008) With increasing consumer pressure on both farmers and supermarkets to minimise the use of chemical pesticides in fruit and vegetables, a new study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), looks at why there is currently little use of biological alternatives in the UK. ... Biological products, known as biopesticides, can play a significant role in a more sustainable food chain as chemical pesticides are withdrawn due to resistance problems or because they are no... (Science Daily)
• Marsing home takes green to new level Oct 11, 2008
Extending the green approach to pest control, Rutherford now has a live-in gecko and praying mantis. The idea for her new dining room came to her on a bike ride. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Beavers: Dam Good For Songbirds Oct 10, 2008
Currently, beaver are often considered a pest species when they take down trees and flood property ... 26, 2008) They may be considered pests, but beavers can help mitigate the effects of drought ... 11, 2007) Though considered a pest because of the culvert-clogging dams it builds on streams, the beaver is an ally in conserving valuable wetland habitat for declining amphibian populations, a University of. (Science Daily)
Attractive invasive weeds to avoid Oct 8, 2008
Marie Heidemann is the Juneau district Integrated Pest Management technician for the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Cooperative Extension Service. ARTICLE LINKS: | | Reader Comments Disclaimer ng: These comments do not represent the Juneau Empire's views. (Juneau Empire)
World risks 'dirty' energy future Oct 7, 2008
Monkeyman roped into pest problem. FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS. (Yahoo News -- Energy Policy)
Sunair Services Corporation Sells Telecom FM Limited Oct 7, 2008
Telecom Holdings was organized and is owned by the former executive management team of Telecom FM. Jack I. Ruff, Sunair 's Chief Executive Officer and President, commented, "The sale of Telecom FM completes Sunair's planned sale of its legacy businesses and positions us to concentrate all of our energies on growing our pest and lawn control services businesses. This sale will allow us to reduce the company's leverage and focus on improving our core business operating metrics." The transaction... (PR Newswire)
Success for plants' pest control Oct 7, 2008
Scientists hope to find a more natural way to deter pests. Researchers have developed a potential new method of making plants significantly more resistant to pests ... Scientists from the Natural Environment Research Council, who have conducted early trials, say their method could greatly reduce pesticide use. (BBC News -- UK)
Seventh-graders test the waters at Fishing Lake Oct 7, 2008
Several local and state experts helped the students, including the Wyoming Department of Water Quality, Campbell County Weed and Pest and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. As the testing wound down and the students got ready to file back to the vans, a sudden motion in the sky to the south of the lake caught their attention. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Get a Healthy Organic Garden Oct 7, 2008
It is disappointing when insect soap kills everything except the garden pest, or when compost from carefully tended bins fails to give us the yields we expected. Good organic gardening practices encompass more than just the best natural pest control spray or the newest plant variety ... A mixture of plantings is not only pleasing to the eye, but also attracts the pest predators that make your gardening job easier. (Suite101.com)
