Most agricultural systems in the Northeast rely on pesticides to ensure high yields and profits, but pesticides can pose risks to essential pollinators and environmental health. To reduce reliance on pesticides, scientists are exploring ways to harness natural plant defenses, such as emitting chemicals that slow insect feeding, inhibit infections, call beneficial insects to their aid, or warn other plants. …
Safer, more sustainable pest management
Managing pests is essential to healthy, safe and productive agricultural, urban, residential and natural areas. However, chemical pesticides can cause air and water pollution and unintended harm to nontarget organisms. Exposure to pesticides has also been linked to human health problems. In addition, many pests eventually develop resistance to commonly used chemicals, rendering them ineffective. Researchers at land-grant universities across …
Staying a step ahead of pests
Researchers at the nation’s land-grant universities are helping protect food crops from direct insect damage and diseases spread by insect pests. Their work helps improve crop quality, crop yield and farm profitability. Here are a few examples of that work: At Fort Valley State University in Georgia, researchers have found a combination of beneficial nematodes and a widely available insecticide …