2019 Dutch Gold Undergraduate Scholarship supports research and education in bee health

June 21, 2019

To help catalyze research and education in bee health, Dutch Gold Honey, based in Lancaster County, PA, endowed an Undergraduate Scholarship in Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences in 2010. This yearly award pairs students in the College of Agricultural Sciences with faculty mentors from the Penn State Center for Pollinator Research. The 2019 Dutch Gold Scholarship has been awarded to two students, Jacklyn Kiner and Matthew Poorman, whose projects seek to improve methods for bee management and public learning about bees.

Spotted lanternfly expert at Penn State offers advice on using tree bands

June 21, 2019

It is quickly becoming a summertime ritual, albeit not a fun one, for homeowners living in southeastern Pennsylvania: trying to get rid of the swarms of spotted lanternflies that have taken up residence on their properties.

Online Hands-On Mapping System Helps Keep Pollinators Safe

June 20, 2019

Researchers have been working for well over a decade to enhance the health of pollinators and now beekeepers, citizen scientists, and anyone interested in pollinator health can join in using a new online tool, Beescape.

Can tiny wasps control sap-sucking flies targetting US vines?

June 19, 2019

Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, are testing to see if a species of wasp the size of a sesame seed could stave off a potentially devastating invasion of sap-sucking insects that could seriously affect California’s grape crops.

Industry groups award funding for fruit research and extension projects

June 18, 2019

New and ongoing tree-fruit research in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences received a boost with the recent awarding of funds totaling more than $261,000 by the State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Apple Program.

Cicadas are buzzing the 'burbs after 17 years underground

June 13, 2019

It’s easy to find evidence that the 17-year cicadas’ mating season has begun in Western Pennsylvania. Exoskeletons hang on tree branches, stray wings left by predators lie in the grass and, when it’s hot enough, unlucky males still searching for mates sing their ringing, high-pitched song.

Humans can't manage this invasive fly—but a mind-controlling fungi might

June 13, 2019

If Youtube footage is to be believed, people have taken up arms against infestations of invasive spotted lanternflies by blasting the bugs with everything from pressure washers to rock salt, dish soap and even propane torches.

Truckers who don't comply with spotted lanternfly quarantine could face hefty fines

June 13, 2019

Truckers who don’t comply with a quarantine effort to restrict the spread of an invasive insect in Pennsylvania and nearby states can face fines of up to $20,000.

Sticky tape meant to snare lanternflies also catching birds and squirrels

June 13, 2019

Woodpeckers, squirrels and other animals are getting stuck on the sticky tape used to trap spotted lanternflies, prompting an outcry from animal rehabilitation centers and other nature groups.

Ants maintain essential interactions despite environmental flux

June 12, 2019

Ants adjust their social interactions to accommodate changes in population density, according to researchers at Penn State and Georgetown University. The findings suggest that ant colonies are capable of maintaining their sophisticated social organization despite potentially drastic changes in their environments.

Combating mosquito-borne diseases with bacteria

June 10, 2019

Viruses, spread through mosquito bites, cause human illnesses such as dengue fever, Zika and yellow fever. A new control technique harnesses a naturally occurring bacterium called Wolbachia that blocks replication of viruses and breaks the cycle of mosquito-borne disease, according to an international team of researchers.

Scout Now to Stay Ahead of Cereal Leaf Beetle Infestations

June 6, 2019

Native to Europe and Asia, the cereal leaf beetle has made inroads throughout much of eastern North America, the midwest, and even Canada. The adult females have a long egg-laying period of 45-60 days, so the larvae can be present and damage crops for a significant period of time.

Virginia Fruit Growers Remain Vigilant About Invasive Pest

June 6, 2019

“None of the organic compounds work against spotted lanternfly,” said Heather Leach, spotted lanternfly Extension associate with Penn State.

We must wage an all-out war against the spotted lanternfly in PA

June 6, 2019

For many Pennsylvanians, dedicating $2.5 million to the battle against an insect that significantly affects only 20% of our counties is a questionable investment. One reason might be their unfamiliarity with the spotted lanternfly, which so far has either failed to or just not gotten around to crossing the Susquehanna River in large numbers. To date, 14 counties have been placed under quarantine due to the insect’s presence reaching the level of infestation. The list of counties stretches from Monroe in the north to Dauphin and Lancaster here in the south.

Alumnus honors father, entomology department with professorship

June 5, 2019

The inspiration behind a person’s philanthropy can come from a variety of sources. For alumnus Dr. Roger Simon, it stems from two places: the Penn State Department of Entomology and his father, Sam Simon.

Methods to Control Varroa Mites: An Integrated Pest Management Approach

June 3, 2019

Varroa mites (Varroa destructor), are the most influential of all of the pests and diseases of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) today.

Student Research Spotlight - Alex Pagac

June 3, 2019

This is the 8th of eight short news articles written by students, during the professional development class, about each other's research.

New records show spread of parasitic deer flies across the US

May 31, 2019

With flattened bodies, grabbing forelegs and deciduous wings, deer keds do not look like your typical fly. These parasites of deer — which occasionally bite humans — are more widely distributed across the U.S. than previously thought, according to Penn State entomologists, who caution that deer keds may transmit disease-causing bacteria.

PA Department of Agriculture Requires Spotted Lanternfly Permit For Some Businesses

May 30, 2019

Fearing the spread of the spotted lanternfly, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is requiring a permit for businesses transporting goods through a quarantine zone.

New Law Would Help Bees—but Could Leave Other Pollinators out in the Cold

May 30, 2019

Amid the continuing decline of pollinators worldwide, U.S. lawmakers recently revived a perennially struggling bill that aims to save these helpful species. However, pollinator loss is more complicated than many headlines suggest. And curbing it, some scientists say, requires more than just stricter pesticide regulation—a major focus of the bill.

Pa. Lyme disease cases appear to hit plateau, but that shouldn’t change your outdoors routine

May 30, 2019

There’s good news about Lyme disease, Pennsylvanians. After a couple of years of leading the nation in “confirmed and probable” cases of the tick-borne disease, the experts expect the number of cases to level off.

PA Ag Secretary: We must 'contain and suppress' spotted lanternfly

May 30, 2019

As far as Russell Redding is concerned, the fight against the invasive spotted lanternfly will be won the same way the state beat the plum pox virus — "contain and suppress."

Penn Staters working to reverse bee declines

May 23, 2019

Within the past decade, beekeepers across the globe have observed massive declines in managed honey bee populations. Similar declines have been observed in populations of wild bees and other pollinators. Understanding what is driving these declines is a vital question for researchers, beekeepers, growers, and the public. Several factors are being investigated, including habitat loss, climate change, disease and pesticide use.

New crop-destroying pest enters China amid devastating swine fever epidemic

May 23, 2019

A new pest that threatens key agricultural commodities is spreading through China as the nation is reeling from an African swine fever epidemic that may wipe out hundreds of millions of hogs.

Student Research Spotlight - Rachel McLaughlin

May 20, 2019

This is the 7th of eight short news articles written by students, during the professional development class, about each other's research.

Pa. Farm Bill touted as aid to fight spotted lanternfly

May 16, 2019

As the spotted lanternfly begins to hatch for a new season, state and federal agriculture officials are expanding their efforts to contain the destructive insect.

There are a lot more Lyme disease-carrying ticks in Pa. today, Penn State study finds

May 16, 2019

The tick responsible for most cases of Lyme diseases has boomed from near non-existence in Pennsylvania in the 1960s to the most commonly found tick across the state today, according to Penn State researchers.

Lyme Disease-Carrying Ticks Have Returned

May 16, 2019

The tick responsible for most Lyme diseases cases has boomed from near non-existence in the 1960s to become the most commonly found tick across the state of Pennsylvania, according to new research.

Growers prepare for spotted lanternfly onslaught

May 16, 2019

Wine grape growers in eastern Pennsylvania saw major losses from the pest last year.

Tree of heaven, a spotted lanternfly favorite, is named Pennsylvania's newest noxious weed

May 16, 2019

The Asian tree, Ailanthus altissima, has earned its new designation in part because of its meal appeal to the sap-sucking pest that recently started to hatch in Berks.