Crop losses in African countries due to insect pests are estimated at 49%. However, with some species losses can climb up to 100%.
A scourge of kitchens everywhere, Drosophila melanogaster — the common fruit fly — stares down the electron microscope that captured its image.
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Agricultural pests are one of the key factors affecting small holder farmer production. Focus is normally put on invertebrate pests, but rodents can do severe damage to crops as well.
Fall armyworms have a number of characteristics that make them particularly hard to control. They are strong fliers, can breed at a high rate and also develop quick resistance to pesticides.
The Fall Armyworm has a devastating impact because it eats the reproductive parts of the plant as well as its leaves.
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Understanding the hazards and risks of pesticides is vital for people using them on crops.
Tens of millions of smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa have a stake in improving the health of the soil their cattle graze on.
Reuters/Goran Tomasevic
Insects have been in a feature in agriculture since the end of the 19th century. Using a combination of new and old control methods is the best way to deal with our food competitors.
Teeming with insect life?
Oregon Department of Agriculture
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