University of Florida researchers have discovered a key amino acid essential for human nutrition is also an effective insecticide against caterpillars that threaten the citrus industry.

The Lime Swallowtail, or Citrus Swallowtail, is a well-known agricultural pest from southern Asia discovered in the Caribbean in 2006, and researchers say its potential impact on the U.S. citrus industry is cause for serious concern.

(CFBF) – Once maligned as "snake oil" and dismissed as too expensive, biopesticides are earning a stronger foothold on the crop-protection market, with some analysts predicting dramatic growth in coming years, according to Ag Alert, the weekly farm newspaper produced by the California Farm Bureau Federation.

(The Ohio State University) COLUMBUS, Ohio - The creation of compounds that disrupt a worldwide pest's winter sleep hints at the potential to develop natural and targeted controls against crop-eating insects, new research suggests.

WATSONVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A new report examining pesticide use trends in California provides clear indication that farmers are reducing their use of older, more stringently regulated pesticides in exchange for newer, environmentally-friendly methods to control pests. The report, issued by the Alliance for Food and Farming, analyzes California Department of Pesticide Regulations Pesticide Use Report data, which shows that application of older, broad-based pesticides has declined 66 percent over the past 12 years.

 Plant growth regulators are great for the control of plant height without causing undue crop stress. This usually results in a more open canopy, better spray penetration for pesticides and improved defoliation.

Orchard growers have started finding that some of the most commonly used fungicides are no longer effective at controlling apple scab, according to a Purdue University study.

Home gardeners who want to grow a "green" garden should embrace IPM -- integrated pest management -- to control unwanted pests.

 Thousands of insects are being lined up to have their genomes sequenced.

 A newly identified chemical sex attractant, or pheromone, of the emerald ash borer could mean improved traps for monitoring and controlling the tree-killing beetle. That's the goal of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entomologist Allard Cossé and his colleagues.

 Agricultural Research Service scientists are moving closer to developing an environmentally friendly bacteria-based biocontrol agent that offers long-lasting protection against caterpillars and other pests in a garden or cultivated field.