Author: Mick Kulikowski

Jan 24, 2025

Study Points to South America – Not Mexico – as Birthplace of Irish Potato Famine Pathogen

Spud sleuth Jean Ristaino and lab members solve a longstanding mystery into the origin of the Irish potato famine pathogen. 

Jan 8, 2025

Blueberries Beware: Powdery Mildew Spreading Across the Globe

Research on fungus spread could help growers predict, monitor and control disease affecting blueberries. 

Aug 5, 2024

Study Analyzes Potato-Pathogen ‘Arms Race’ After Irish Famine

Researchers examine both the pathogen’s effector genes and the plant’s resistance genes simultaneously in a first-of-its-kind analysis. 

Jul 23, 2024

The Unintended Consequences of Success Against Malaria

Bed nets and insecticide sprays kept targeted mosquitoes at bay for decades, and those practices also killed household pests. Until they didn’t. 

Feb 15, 2024

Using Written Records – and Tweets – as a Roadmap for Plant Disease Spread

Examining keyword terms from historic and modern texts can help researchers track and visualize plant diseases like late blight. 

Oct 18, 2023

Study Elucidates Evolution of Mosquitoes and Their Hosts

Study creates a mosquito family tree to better understand disease transmission and host choice. 

Aug 1, 2023

Male Moth ‘Aphrodisiac’ Revealed

Study reveals for the first time a powerful pheromone chemical used by males moths to entice females. 

Jul 12, 2023

Bacterium Associated With Disease Found in N.C. Chiggers

The disease, scrub typhus, presents symptoms similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever. 

Jun 12, 2023

CRISPR/Cas9-Based Gene Drive Could Suppress Agricultural Pests

Researchers use for the first time a gene-drive system on an important agricultural pest. 

Apr 11, 2023

Perfume Component Helps Lure Male Moth Pests

A small amount of nonanal added to a traditional blend of sex pheromones draws the attention of fall armyworm males looking for a good time.