2012

Training Modules Provide IPM Tips for Child Care and Early Learning Environments December 21, 2012: A free ten-part IPM training program designed for child care and early learning environments is now available. The PowerPoint set presents a step-by-step approach to improving management of pests and reducing pesticide risks.
Plant sniffs out danger to prepare defenses against pesky insect December 18, 2012: A plant may start to prime its defenses as soon as it gets a whiff of a male fly searching for a mate, according to Penn State entomologists. Once tall goldenrod plants smell a sex attractant emitted by true fruit fly males, they appear to prepare chemical defenses that make them less appealing to female flies that could damage the plants by depositing eggs on them, the researchers said.
Pesticides: Now More Than Ever December 12, 2012: How quickly we forget. After the publication of “Silent Spring,” 50 years ago, we (scientists, environmental and health advocates, birdwatchers, citizens) managed to curb the use of pesticides[1] and our exposure to them — only to see their application grow and grow to the point where American agriculture uses more of them than ever before.
Farmer Style (Gangnam Style Parody) December 10, 2012: The Peterson Farm Brothers present “Farmer Style,” a parody of PSY’s “Gangnam Style.” Please enjoy, share with your friends, and remember to thank a farmer for your food!
Deciphering the Tools of Nature’s Zombies December 6, 2012: In the rain forests of Costa Rica lives Anelosimus octavius, a species of spider that sometimes displays a strange and ghoulish habit. From time to time these spiders abandon their own web and build a radically different one, a home not for the spider but for a parasitic wasp that has been living inside it.
Video: Update on Bed Bug Bombs from Dr. Susan Jones December 4, 2012: In the following video, Ohio State University's Susan Jones discusses recent research findings relating to the use of 'bug bombs' to control bed bugs.
AAP Policy Statement on Pesticide Exposure in Children December 4, 2012: AAPS new "Policy Statement on Pesticide Exposure in Children" calls for national action to address "inadequacies in medical training, public health tracking and regulatory action on pesticides."
Undead-End: Fungus That Controls Zombie-Ants Has Own Fungal Stalker November 29, 2012: An unsuspecting worker ant in Brazil's rainforest leaves its nest one morning. But instead of following the well-worn treetop paths of its nest mates, this ant stumbles along clumsily, walking in aimless circles, convulsing from time to time.
CDC Health Advisory - Health Concerns about Misuse of Pesticides for Bed Bug Control November 28, 2012: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are alerting the public to an emerging national concern regarding misuse of pesticides to treat infestations of bed bugs and other insects indoors.
Panic Over Bedbugs Can Create More Health Risks Than Their Bites November 26, 2012: As bedbugs have made a comeback, aided by resistance to pesticides and spread by worldwide travel, scientists have found that panic over the blood-sucking pests may be more dangerous than their bite. Some people are misusing poisonous chemicals in a desperate bid to eradicate the pests, federal officials said Thursday.
Natural fungus may provide effective bed bug control November 20, 2012: "And don't let the bed bugs bite" is no longer a harmless adage. In reality today, these bloodthirsty bugs infest thousands of homes. According to a team of Penn State entomologists, biopesticides -- naturally occurring microorganisms -- might provide an answer to this pest problem.
Another Invasive Pest Discovered in Pennsylvania November 19, 2012: Penn State researchers recently discovered the African Fig Fly in Pennsylvania for the first time, giving fruit growers across the state another invasive pest to be on the look out for.
Hurricane Sandy Predicted To Have Long-Term Effects On Pest Populations November 15, 2012: As those affected by the destructive damage and widespread power outages caused by Hurricane Sandy begin the rebuilding process, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is focusing on the impact the super storm will have on pest populations in affected areas of New York and New Jersey, specifically in hard-hit communities.
Food labels multiply, some confuse consumers November 15, 2012: Want to avoid pesticides and antibiotics in your produce, meat, and dairy foods? Prefer to pay more to make sure farm animals were treated humanely, farmworkers got their lunch breaks, bees or birds were protected by the farmer and that ranchers didn't kill predators?
New publication offers advice on managing wood-destroying pests November 8, 2012: A new publication offered by the Pesticide Education Program in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences provides recommendations for preventing and controlling infestations of wood-destroying insects.
Penn State Entomologists Awarded Gates Foundation Grant November 7, 2012: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced more than $21 million US in new grants through its Grand Challenges Explorations (GCE) initiative.GCE is a tiered granting mechanism that funds innovative ideas to tackle key global health and development problems, and provides additional resources for projects that demonstrate initial promise.
Fall 2012 Newsletter November 5, 2012: The PA IPM News Fall 2012 edition is now available as a downloadable PDF file. In this issue: Agrochemicals Impair Learning in Honey Bees; Uninvited Guests – Lady Beetles; Educational Tools for Safer Pest Control in Childcare Centers; New IPM Manual for Growers; Back to School Means a Return for Head Lice; Journal of IPM Now Accepting Submissions.
5 Post-Sandy Cleanup Tips October 31, 2012: Penn State University professor weighs in on what can be done to salvage your crop and the fields after inclement weather.
A Simple Fix for Farming October 31, 2012: It's becoming clear that we can grow all the food we need, and profitably, with far fewer chemicals. And I’m not talking about imposing some utopian vision of small organic farms on the world. Conventional agriculture can shed much of its chemical use — if it wants to.
Ag Sciences students awarded international fellowships October 22, 2012: Two Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences students have been awarded fellowships from the U.S. Borlaug Global Food Security Program. Ariel Rivers, a dual-degree doctoral student in Entomology and International Agriculture and Development, and Daniel Tobin, a dual-degree doctoral student in Agricultural and Extension Education, and International Agriculture and Development, received the fellowships to support their international research projects.
Scientists draw maps to stop stink bug pirates October 18, 2012: A monitoring system set up in the early 1980s to track common vegetable pests in New Jersey has led to a treasure trove of maps about a new invader, the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). Scientists are analyzing the maps to stop BMSB from pirating a wide range of fruit and vegetables in North America.
Penn State Extension fact sheets help new farmers get started October 15, 2012: Beginning farmers who need to enhance their knowledge about organic vegetable production, ecological plant-disease management and soil basics will find useful information in a new series of fact sheets offered by Penn State Extension.
Penn State Entomology Students, Faculty Recognized October 8, 2012: Numerous awards were recently presented to faculty, postdoctoral scholars and graduate students in the Entomology department in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. Students and faculty in the department are future leaders in many aspects of entomology, both domestically and internationally. These awards recognize their accomplishments and potential.
Penn State Extension: Harvesting top apples requires attention October 2, 2012: Fruit growers recognize that attention to detail can mean the difference between a crop of high quality apples picked at the proper time and a crop that has reduced market potential. Predicting optimum harvest date in this season following an early and extended bloom is requiring extra attention to detail, even with mid-season varieties that are being harvested now.
Adams County apples in high demand September 24, 2012: There's an up and down to apple seasons, the farmer said, talking on a crackling cell phone as he stood between two tractors in his orchards. If you have a light apple crop one year, chances are you'll get a heavy crop the next, said Ed McDannell, owner of McDannell's Fruit Farm and Market in Arendtsville.
Though local harvest looks solid, Midwest drought affects farmers, consumers September 19, 2012: A dry spell in early July left the plants shorter than usual, but last month's rain staved off the bad harvest Joel Newhard feared for both his soybean and corn crops. That's true for most Pennsylvania farmers — state officials forecast a better-than-average harvest.
Penn State’s Great Insect Fair Moves to the BJC September 13, 2012: Organizers of "The Greatest Insect Show on Earth" are planning their biggest event yet. Penn State's Great Insect Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 29 at a new location: the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus.
FTC Takes Action Against Companies Marketing Allegedly Unproven Natural Bed Bug and Head Lice Treatments September 11, 2012: The Federal Trade Commission filed deceptive advertising charges against two marketers of remedies for bed bug infestations, who allegedly failed to back up overhyped claims that they could prevent and eliminate infestations using natural ingredients, such as cinnamon and cedar oil. One marketer also allegedly made misleading claims that its products were effective against head lice.
What if your neighbor's standing water prompts West Nile concerns? September 11, 2012: Jean Amspacher of the first block of Colepepper Road in Shrewsbury said she's been concerned about the possibility of West Nile virus in her neighborhood because of two vacant properties with uncovered pools. She called her municipality, but was told nothing could be done because the land was private property.Tom Smith, the West Nile Virus Program coordinator with the Penn State Cooperative Extension, said swimming pools aren't usually a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Tough to battle Asian tiger mosquitoes populations September 7, 2012: Recently, Deb Oerman's grandsons tried to cool down on a hot day in a pool behind her York home. The 5- and 7-year-olds returned inside covered in bug bites. "They've been getting all (bit) up," Oerman said. "Especially the little one. There were so many bites so close together on his back, it looked like one big welt." Oerman suspects the bites came from Asian tiger mosquitoes, which have become a growing problem over the month of August.
Imperiled impatiens September 7, 2012: The Allegheny County Extension Office has received many calls and e-mails from landscapers and home gardeners wondering what is happening to impatiens this summer. Callers note that affected plants are stunted, yellow and that they look like sticks, with a few yellow leaves hanging on.
Growers: Nearly 100 percent of crop lost September 4, 2012: An early spring warm spell last March followed by a "normal" April cold snap is responsible for the lack of apples and other tree fruit in the Northern Tier this year, according to growers and experts.
Tiny insect causing berry big headaches September 4, 2012: For those weary of hearing about infected mosquitoes, beetles killing elm trees and blight on tomatoes, hold on – a new plague has surfaced. The spotted wing drosophila, often called a vinegar fly, is wiping out whole crops of soft fruits – blackberries, black raspberries, blueberries, sweet and tart cherries and strawberries.
Penn State Researchers See Progress With Sustainable Systems August 29, 2012: Although sustainable ag proponents didn’t exactly fill a bus the Thursday afternoon of Penn State’s annual Ag Progress Days, the half-dozen farm folks who did tour the university’s dairy cropping and organic pest management plots brought a truckload of questions along to the field.
Educational Tools for Safer Pest Control in Childcare Centers August 28, 2012: New training modules are now available to help directors and staff in childcare centers better manage pests in their facilities. The development of these modules was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Children’s Health Protection.
WEB BUILDERS: Caterpillar nests a common sight around county, but pose minimal threat August 27, 2012: Those conspicuous nests covering tree limbs across the region are home to a familiar pest. Inside their silk tents, fall webworm caterpillars are busy doing what they do best — chomping away at leaves and the tips of tree branches.
Remove standing water to keep mosquitoes, West Nile virus at bay August 23, 2012: The itch of a mosquito bite is one of the common nuisances of summer. But with mosquito populations seemingly exploding this year -- and cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus reaching unprecedented numbers nationally -- it's a good idea to take a few simple precautions to reduce the chances of being bitten, says an urban entomologist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
West Nile virus reports in Centre County on the rise August 18, 2012: Ten years ago, Centre County might just be receiving notification of the first mosquito testing positive for West Nile Virus. This year, however, the county already has 34 positive mosquito samples from various municipalities, including State College and College, Ferguson, Gregg, Penn, Spring, Walker and Worth townships.
Biocontrols and Good Breeding Highlight Flower Trials August 13, 2012: Biocontrols were the “young, exciting science” on display along with showy petunias, tall begonias and succulent portulacas at the horticulture trial gardens field day July 26 at Penn State’s Southeast Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Manheim, Pa.
Workshop on Veggie Tools Reels in New Farmers August 9, 2012: As a beginning farmer, Sue Pengelly of Misty Knoll Farm in Royersford, Pa., is eager to learn which tools work best for her. “The only problem I have related to tools is that I sometimes buy something based on a friend’s or salesperson’s recommendation, or because of an article I read about it, and later I find out that it doesn’t perform as advertised,” Pengelly said.
Like always, 2012 Ag Progress Days has something for everyone August 7, 2012: When it opens Aug. 14 for its 44th year, Penn State's Ag Progress Days will once again show the many faces of agriculture, bringing together people with a wide range of perspectives on the production of food, fuel and fiber.
Voracious emerald ash borer now in 28 PA counties August 6, 2012: If you want proof for how the emerald ash borer can leap across the landscape, check out the latest map from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The small insect, an Asian invasive that was first detected in Michigan in 2002, kills ash trees.
Bed Bug Management for Professionals Video August 6, 2012: This comprehensive bed bug educational video discusses history of bed bugs, bed bug biology, monitoring and inspecting methods, how to prepare and conduct bed bug treatments.
Supposedly Inert Agrochemicals Impair Learning in Honey Bees August 6, 2012: Honey bees exposed to agrochemicals used on farms may develop learning impairments that prevent them from being able to forage or even find their way back to the hive, say researchers at Penn State’s College of Ag Sciences.
Penn State seeking help from the public on stink bugs August 6, 2012: Michael Flinchbaugh has found brown marmorated stink bugs in the orchard at Flinchbaugh's Orchard & Farm Market in Hellam Township this summer. "I think the population is starting to increase a little bit now," said Flinchbaugh, a co-owner of the farm.
Some local apple farmers can’t reap fruits of their labor August 6, 2012: Dan Harner’s family has owned Harner Farm since 1945. This year’s apple crop is the worst he has ever seen. An unseasonably warm spring caused apple trees to bloom three weeks early. Then a late-March frost zapped many of the blossoms, said Rich Marini, a Penn State professor and head of the university’s horticulture department.
For some Pa. farmers, drought worries persist August 3, 2012: While a drought watch persists in 15 counties in Western Pennsylvania, other parts of the country continue to wither from heat and drought. The Department of Agriculture has designated just over half of all counties in the country as disaster areas this year, mainly due to drought, according to a statement released on Tuesday by the White House.
Researchers Discover the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug’s Winter Hideout August 3, 2012: Researchers believe they have identified where brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) gathers in natural landscapes during winter, and their findings could help farmers manage this invasive insect.
PSCIP Summer Newsletter now Available July 30, 2012: The Philadelphia School and Community IPM Partnership (PSCIP) is a collaborative project designed to radically reform pest management in underserved neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia by reducing both pest infestations and also the use of toxic pesticides. In this issue: Reducing Pest Problems in Latino Communities; Uninvited Guests: Raccoons; Read the Label First; PSCIP offers Healthy Homes, Other Training; Reducing Asthma Disparities.
Some crops faring better than others in drought July 26, 2012: This year's drought has had varying effects on crops in different parts of the state, according to a crop specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. Greg Roth, professor of agronomy and extension grain crops specialist, said that the drought is serious, but not yet the worst farmers have seen, and there is still hope for this year's crop.
Video: Maryann Frazier discusses pollinator decline July 23, 2012: In this video clip, Maryann Frazier talks about the decline of pollinators and the prime suspects behind it. Some of these suspects include the use of pesticides, on both small and large scales, that destroy food sources for bees; agribusiness practices such as monocropping, in which the same single crop is planted year after year, eliminating the plant diversity pollinators need; stress caused by transporting the bees across country for commercial pollination needs; and threats such as nosema disease, viruses and mites.
Armyworms make meal out of midstate sweet corn, soybeans July 14, 2012: Midstate crops from sweet corn to soybeans are recovering from the first round of attacks by a tiny worm with a big appetite. An infestation of armyworms, 1½-inch-long critters that move across fields in army-like fashion, has devoured crops and left devastation in its wake.
Bedbug sprays fail to kill even vulnerable insects in researchers’ test July 10, 2012: A new study brings bad news for people fighting bedbug infestations and companies that sell over-the-counter insecticides. Ohio State University entomologists Susan Jones and Joshua Bryant found that “bug bombs” and “foggers” — cheap, insecticide-spraying aerosols that have been marketed for decades as do-it-yourself alternatives to exterminators — were ineffective against even the most vulnerable of bedbugs.
Symposium Addressing Plant Virus Diseases in the Developing World July 10, 2012: PA IPM's Ed Rajotte shares a chuckle with S. Mohankumar at a symposium on "Research and Management of Insect-Transmitted Virus Diseases" at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University on the first day of the 4-day meeting. The gathering is bringing together scientists from developing countries around the world to look at ways to address the challenges that virus diseases present for global food security.
Tunnels Take Variability out of Grape Production July 9, 2012: One of the toughest parts of growing grapes is getting the climate right. An early frost, the crop could be damaged. Too much rain, the grape sugars are diluted.
Penn State Extension launches new beekeeping course online July 6, 2012: Beginner and experienced beekeepers and those thinking about taking up backyard beekeeping can get the information they need to be successful from Beekeeping 101, a new online beekeeping course offered by Penn State Extension.
PA IPM News Summer 2012 Now Available July 2, 2012: The PA IPM News Summer 2012 edition is now available as a downloadable PDF file from Web site at http://extension.psu.edu/ipm/news/newsletters/summer/summer-2012/view
Mosquito tests positive for West Nile virus in Centre County June 29, 2012: A mosquito sample from Potter Township has tested positive for the West Nile virus. It is the fourth positive mosquito sample found so far this year in Centre County. The others were found in Snow Shoe Township and Benner Township in May and Gregg Township on June 20.
2 new samples in county positive for West Nile June 27, 2012: Mosquito samples collected by Penn State Extension staff on June 20 in New Salem and June 21 in Dover Township have tested positive for West Nile virus by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. For 2012, six mosquito collections have tested positive for West Nile Virus in York County.
Keep watch for late blight June 25, 2012: With all the rain we have been experiencing, there is the distinct possibility that you could see late blight on your tomatoes and potatoes. There has been late blight already reported and confirmed in Pennsylvania on tomatoes and potatoes.
Where have all the stink bugs gone? June 25, 2012: What's bugging entomologists as summer begins? Stink bugs, but not in the way you would think. Tim Nagy, 45, of South Fayette, was "dive-bombed" by stink bugs all over his home last year -- so bad that his dog began eating them for fun. This year, however, he has hardly seen any.
Farmers' foes: Mild winter helps foster armyworms, late blight June 21, 2012: Remember the luxury of not having to shovel snow this past winter? And being able to don shorts in 79–degree warmth in March? Well the chickens might be coming home to roost. A pair of weather–related pests — armyworms and late–blight disease — have broken out in Lancaster County threatening this year's yield of tomatoes sweet corn and other crops grown by both farmers and backyard gardeners.
Late blight taking early toll on crops June 19, 2012: After likely staying alive through a mild winter and spring, late blight - the plant disease that caused the deadly Irish potato famine - has been found in area farms for a fourth consecutive summer. "We're finding it in more counties every day," said Beth Gugino, assistant professor of plant pathology at Penn State University. "We're trying to get the word out that it's around."
Symposium to address plant virus diseases in the developing world co-organized by Penn State June 18, 2012: Plant diseases caused by insect-transmitted viruses are a threat to the food security of developing countries, causing serious crop and income losses for people whose livelihoods depend on farming. A symposium in India sponsored by an Indian university and the American government and co-organized by Penn State will bring together scientists to review the status of these diseases and discuss methods of combating them.
Armyworms destroying area farm crops, moths coming next June 18, 2012: Dairy farmer Terry Wilson said his corn, hay and oat crops were coming up like they should until a week ago when he noticed one field full of young corn that looked like it was only half there. Closer examination revealed it had been eaten down to the ground by pseudaleta unipuncta, or armyworms.
Now You See It, Now It’s Swung Out of Sight June 17, 2012: Cockroaches are not just insidious home invaders, a new study finds; they are also brilliant escape artists. A roach can flip under a ledge by swinging its body around like a pendulum and hanging on underneath. It uses hook-like claws to hold on firmly.
Armyworms, Other Pests Featured in Field Crop News June 14, 2012: We continue to hear about the armyworm outbreak across Pennsylvania, up into New York, and over into Ohio. This has been a widespread, destructive, and generally impressive situation. It reminds me that as much as we would like to have control over nature, occasionally it can produce situations that are beyond our control.
Posh hotels are buzzing with tiny new guests: bees June 13, 2012: An iconic hotel in the heart of midtown Manhattan is buzzing with thousands of tiny new visitors. But watch out: They'll sting if you get too close.
Video Tip: Tree Pests June 13, 2012: Let DCNR's David Schmit take you on a tour of some of Pennsylvania forests' nastiest invasive pests...and learn how to avoid spreading more of them around the state.
Pa. potato, tomato growers hit by late blight, should remain vigilant June 11, 2012: Late blight, the same disease that caused Ireland's potato famine in the 19th century, was confirmed in three Pennsylvania counties this past week.
Video: Penn State pollinator specialist lists 3 things to help honeybees June 11, 2012: Colony Collapse Disorder has become primetime news as a cause for poor honeybee health in the US and around the world. Maryann Frazier, Honeybee Extension Associate, Penn State has so simple steps that homeowners can do to help our pollinating partners.
Armyworms invade local lawns! June 11, 2012: They’re back…. Extension offices and lawn care companies across Pennsylvania have received numerous calls over the last few weeks about a plague of worms.
Controlling the Papaya Mealy Bug in India June 7, 2012: One morning in 2008, R. Thangavel, a small papaya grower and latex supplier from a village in Tamil Nadu, India noticed a strange white growth on his papaya leaves and fruits. Thangavel had never seen it before but the white moldy substances was Paracoccus marginatus, or Papaya Mealy Bug, an alien invasive pest.
Summer brings tick season June 6, 2012: If there's one thing worse than finding a tick, it's wondering whether that tick has passed on Lyme disease. Pennsylvania continues to be one of the leading states for Lyme disease, with between 3,000 to 4,000 new cases every year, according to the State Department of Health.
Bored to death: Native beetles take a toll on area ash trees June 6, 2012: Insect damage recently found on some area ash trees wasn't caused by the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that's destroyed tens of millions of trees since its discovery a decade ago in Michigan.
Bug-bomb Foggers Are No Match for Bed Bugs June 6, 2012: Consumer products known as "bug bombs" or "foggers" have been sold for decades for use against many common household insects. However, recent research published in the Journal of Economic Entomology (JEE) shows these products to be ineffective against bed bugs.
Mushroom IPM Manual Now in Spanish June 5, 2012: A popular publication in the mushroom industry that addresses pests with the most potential to reduce mushroom yield and quality is now available in Spanish for free online.
Growers Hope High Tunnels Open Up Sweet Possibilities June 4, 2012: Corey McCleaf knows the difficulties of growing sweet cherries in Pennsylvania. He sees it every June, when just around the time his cherries start ripening, a freak storm comes through, causing his cherries to crack.
Insects are focus of kids' camp June 4, 2012: Young bug enthusiasts will have the chance to learn more about insects through Bug Camp for Kids, hosted by members of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
Mild weather allows farmers to get a head start June 3, 2012: Although May's rainfall was well above normal in the Altoona area, the spring of 2012 has not been nearly as disruptive to area farmers as last spring.
Keeping it clean to prevent flies, promote cow comfort June 3, 2012: Flies on the farm are not just pesky. They can impact production, spread disease and take a toll on overall animal health. That is why Penn State Extension Specialist Robert Graves says that fly control is a critical point of providing dairy cow comfort.
Western Pennsylvania Fruit Growers Lament Losses May 31, 2012: It’s bad. It’s a tough year to be a fruit grower,” said Andy Muza, Penn State Cooperative Extension educator. Fifteen frost events this spring in western Pennsylvania eradicated blossoms and buds from apples, cherries, peaches, pears and grapes. In some cases, the damage is total; in others, it is variety specific; while in still others, the damage is location-based.
Crops Bouncing Back From Hot, Cold Start May 31, 2012: The unusual weather of March and April is a distant memory for farmers as they work around the clock wrapping up their first cuttings of forages and continuing their corn planting.
New national group will tackle two new pest threats May 30, 2012: A national working group of horticultural industry and government representatives is being set up to develop a plan for combating two new Asian invasive insects – the brown marmorated stink bug and the spotted wing drosophila.
Do Plants Smell Other Plants? This One Does, Then Strangles What It Smells May 25, 2012: "Plants smell," says botanist David Chamovitz. Yes, they give off odors, but that's not what Chamovitz means. He means plants can smell other plants.
Insect pollinators contribute $29 billion to U.S. farm income May 25, 2012: Bees and other insects that pollinate plants in the United States have suffered in recent decades from mites, pesticides, pathogens, land development and habitat fragmentation.
First Mobile App for Landscape and Nursery Professionals Developed May 23, 2012: Green Industry professionals often find themselves in the field needing immediate access to pest and plant disease information and plant care recommendations. Thanks to a collaborative effort of horticulturists, entomologists and plant pathologists at seven land-grant universities, now there's an app for that.
Summer bounty berry, berry early May 22, 2012: Snow had fallen by Halloween; in effect, spring arrived by Christmas, and the blossoms were popping by Easter. And despite the atmosphere’s recent flirtations with quasi-normality, the seasonal fast-forwarding trend has continued briskly in the Philadelphia region’s farms and fields, where veteran observers report that the annual bounty of summer fruits and vegetables is a full week to two weeks ahead of schedule.
Weed Identification for Berks Co. 4-H Sheep Club May 22, 2012: Berks County 4-H members specializing in working with sheep visited the farm of George and Beth Vamvakias in Boyertown, Pa., on May 8 for a hands-on weed identification exercise.
Identifying Grassy Weeds in Lawns May 22, 2012: Home gardeners often find grassy weeds growing in their lawns. These grasses do not match the rest of the lawn grass and make the lawn look patchy. So, what should you do if you find a grassy weed invading your lawn?
County finds West Nile mosquitoes in Middletown May 17, 2012: Some mosquitoes trapped near Middletown’s waste water treatment plant were infected with the West Nile Virus, Dauphin County officials said.
Ticks Making a Comeback May 16, 2012: A resurgence in the tick population in Pennsylvania is resulting in a large number of tick bites and an increase in Lyme disease cases.
Crop Diversity Decreases Pest Damage and Pesticide Use May 16, 2012: A new Penn State research project will allow growers to improve their pest control and increase grain crop production while reducing pesticide use.
Controlling Bugs Leads to Unintended Consequences May 15, 2012: To the naked eye, you would think nothing was out of the ordinary in Elam Beiler’s orchard. But look closer and you’ll see a tree that has been stripped of any life, withering, with no leaves and seemingly no hope.
Chaotic spring crushes fruit crops, especially in Erie area May 10, 2012: A series of April frosts and freezes means consumers will find fewer Pennsylvania apples and peaches this summer, and grapes and cherries from the Lake Erie region could be scarce.
Penn State researcher receives Grand Challenges Explorations grant May 10, 2012: A Penn State researcher has been chosen to receive a grant through the Grand Challenges Explorations program, an initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. David Hughes, assistant professor of entomology and biology, will pursue an innovative global health and development research project, titled "Taking Out the Bodyguards: A Novel Solution to Ag Disease."
Frost takes toll on Erie region fruit crops May 9, 2012: Grower Chester Sceiford estimates that this spring he's lost 80 to 90 percent of his cherry crop plus the grapes in low-lying areas of his vineyard. He considers himself fortunate. "There are vineyards that were totally frozen," said Sceiford, of Sceiford Quality Fruit of North East Township.
How to Conserve Wild Pollinators Explained in New Publication May 8, 2012: Orchard crops such as fruits and nuts are being heavily impacted by honey bee shortages for pollination, so growers are relying more and more on wild bees and other native pollinators to ensure an abundant harvest.
Barcoding Insects To Control Them May 4, 2012: Mention barcodes and it often brings to mind the sales tags and scanners found in supermarkets and other stores. But Agricultural Research Service scientists are using “DNA barcodes” in their search for ways to control and monitor insects that pose the greatest threats to crops as diverse as wheat, barley, and potatoes.
The Zombie-Ant Fungus Is Under Attack, Research Reveals May 3, 2012: A parasite that fights the zombie-ant fungus has yielded some of its secrets to an international research team led by David Hughes of Penn State University.

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