For trees, carbs are key to surviving insect defoliation

A recent multi-year outbreak of an invasive moth killed thousands of acres of oak trees across southern New England. But interspersed among the wreckage were thousands of trees that survived. A new study published today in ...

Gypsy moth caterpillars return to dine on New England trees

Last year's dry spring, coupled with the recent stretch of dry weather, has helped to fuel the resurgence across parts of southern New England of the gypsy moth caterpillar, a furry nuisance blamed for defoliating an estimated ...

Pathogens chase down migrating gypsy moths

(PhysOrg.com) -- Cornell researchers discovered that the gypsy moth's fungal and viral pathogens follow close behind migrating populations, making control efforts unnecessary, reports entomologist Ann Hajek.

Pest preferences for cranberry cultivars determined

To determine whether insect herbivores have a feeding preference for certain cultivars of cranberry, researchers investigated the phenolic profiles in the foliage of two cranberry cultivars, then isolated and identified compounds ...

Model predicts shifts in carbon absorption by forest canopies

An Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist participated in a project to fine-tune computer models that can indicate when forest "carbon sinks" become net carbon generators instead. The results will help pinpoint the ...

Getting closer to a better biocontrol for garden pests

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have found strains of bacteria that could one day be used as environmentally friendly treatments to keep caterpillars and other pests out of gardens and cultivated fields.

Transporting firewood may spread tree-killing insects

(Phys.org) —Stocking up on firewood is on the minds of many Coloradans, with some seeking full cords for winter fuel while others are in need of only a few armloads for fall hunting trips. But because of the immense impact ...

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