Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Study Could Lead to Power Over Parasite
Researchers find genetic targets for controlling the New World screwworm, a deadly insect pest that feeds on livestock, wildlife, pets and even humans in the Western Hemisphere.
Bed Bugs Modify Microbiome of Homes They Infest
Bed bugs aren’t just an annoying, blood-feeding pest. They also seem to change the bacterial community in the homes they infest.
Berrying On
This year's berry crops yielded lessons in adaptability for Extension experts. They weighed strawberries in the garage, delivered masks to farms, connected via technology and never stopped listening.
Volcanic Glass Spray Shows Promise in Controlling Mosquitoes
An industrial mineral called perlite could help reduce mosquito populations and, in turn, malaria transmission.
Here Come the Cicadas! At Least for Some of Us
Right now, in the northwest corner of North Carolina, a remarkable event is occurring - one that happens only every 17 years. It’s the emergence of Brood IX of the 17-year periodical cicadas, and it is a sight (with accompanying sounds) worth seeing.
CALS Graduate Student Named Fulbright Scholar
CALS graduate student Tsz Wai “Sammi” Wong is one of six NC State graduate students named as a Fulbright Scholar for the 2020-21 academic year.
Plant Aid: A GRIP4PSI Big-Data Project to Detect Plant Diseases Faster
An interdisciplinary team led by professor Jean Ristaino will combine small sensors with big data for faster detection of the diseases plaguing tomato fields. From a hand-held plant disease ‘sniffer’ to a cloud-based database that can alert farmers about the cause of the stress and suggest possible mitigation strategies, the project aims to detect diseases early, improving yield.
Boredom Busters
Spending unexpected time at home with the kids? NC State Extension's Liz Driscoll outlines five fun indoor projects to help keep everyone’s minds active and hands busy.
Now What?
Without going far, kids can explore and learn from familiar environments. Liz Driscoll, an NC State Extension 4-H specialist, suggests five easy outdoor activities to try when your kids are feeling cooped up.
The Buzz About Native Bees
Hannah Levenson, a graduate student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, is using North Carolina’s research stations to survey native bees and study how wildflowers support native bee populations.