BCM completes honeybee genome sequence

The Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM-HGSC) in Houston has announced the assembly of the first draft sequence of the genome of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. For the first time researchers can access the majority of the genes that make up this important organism. The honey bee now joins the fruit fly and mosquito as an insect with a 'genome sequence'. [Full Story]

As spring nears, so does gypsy moth season

The approach of spring means gypsy moth season for homeowners across much of the northeastern United States, including northern Indiana, said Jodie Ellis, the exotic insects education coordinator at Purdue University. [Full Story]

Anti-Insect Ozone

In attempts to control insects and the diseases they bring, farmers have relied on a variety of pesticides, many of which are highly toxic to humans. Meanwhile, insect resistance is growing. Replacement technologies are critical. Now associate entomology professor Linda Mason and colleagues at Purdue University are investigating ozone as one possible replacement. [Full Story]

Now is the time to take a bite out of mosquito season

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Protective measures against infection by West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases need to start now for horses, according to Purdue University experts. [Full Story]

Purdue's Bug Bowl abuzz with insect fun, facts

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The approach of spring means many things, but at Purdue University's annual Bug Bowl on April 17-18, the buzz is all about insects. [Full Story]

Scientific sleuths

Forensic entomologists use insects to bug criminals [Full Story]

Plant and Animal Diversity in the UK

There has been a decline in the richness of grassland plant species in the United Kingdom during the past 25 years, especially in infertile grasslands... [Full Story]

Purdue scientists finding ways to outsmart crop-damaging bugs

A new screening method aimed at boosting pesticide effectiveness may be commercially viable, according to Purdue University researchers.

The process is designed to identify chemical compounds that could be added to current pesticides to overcome resistance insects have developed to them. In a recent issue of the journal Pesticide Biochemistry & Physiology, the scientists report that the method will be applicable to a variety of insects and chemicals. [Full Story]

Farmers don't need a new superstar toxin to fight bugs

A new Michael Jordan of toxins isn't required to increase crop protection against bugs as long as the right genes are strategically placed to take their shots at destructive insects, researchers report. [Full Story]

Two from Purdue agriculture honored by USDA

Victor Lechtenberg, vice provost for engagement and former dean of agriculture at Purdue University, and Eldon Ortman, a national program leader at the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) and former head of Purdue's Department of Entomology, on Thursday (Oct. 21) were inducted into the CSREES Hall of Fame. [Full Story]

Extension entomologist earns Sharvelle Award

Cliff Sadof, a Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Extension entomology specialist, received the 2004 Eric G. Sharvelle Distinguished Extension Specialist Award.

Sadof was honored Tuesday (Oct. 19) during the annual Purdue Extension Development Conference banquet for his outreach programs dealing with invasive species and other insect pests. [Full Story]

Purdue Extension specialists honored for outstanding service

The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Specialist Association (PUCESA) honored outstanding specialists on Tuesday (Oct. 19) during the annual Purdue Extension banquet. [Full Story]

O. Wayne Rollins Foundation endows urban entomology chair

The foundation established by the late head of pest control company Orkin Inc. is donating $1.5 million to further pest control research in Purdue University's Department of Entomology.

The funding will support the O. Wayne Rollins/Orkin Endowed Chair in Urban Entomology to fund the work of a scientist, who will be selected later. [Full Story]

Asian lady beetles set to return, but their numbers are lower

Homeowners weary of their annual fight with Asian lady beetles may see fewer this year.

Tim Gibb, a Purdue Extension entomologist said Asian lady beetles will still be around, but there are indications that their numbers could be down when compared to last year. [Full Story]

Purdue expert: patience is key when removing wasp nests

Leaves are falling off trees, which means homeowners are more likely to see hornet and wasp nests hanging in their trees said Tim Gibb a Purdue Extension entomologist.

"People notice aerial nests much more in the fall, obviously because they're big, but also because the trees begin to lose their leaves," he said. [Full Story]

Identifying tick genes could halt disease, bioterrorism threat

Ticks as small as a freckle can transmit a number of illnesses for which there is no vaccine and, in some cases, no cure. These creatures even could become bioterrorism weapons.   [Full Story]

Growers stifle cicada invasion

Pesticides first used 17 years ago allow orchardists to fight back against swarms.

Paul Anderson once again finds himself fighting to keep the cicadas from overrunning his 9,000 apple trees near Mooresville.  [Full Story]

Some left wondering what cicadas fuss was all about

Where are Indiana's cicadas?

Purdue University entomology professor Tom Turpin was on a radio call-in show in Lafayette this week when that question kept popping up. [Full Story]

Urban Renewal - Solutions to urban dilemmas rooted in agriculture

Urban areas offer many amenities, from the convenient location of services and entertainment to greater employment opportunities, but the byproduct of thousands—and in some cases millions—of people living in one place can create problems.  [Full Story]

Cicada fanciers ready for rare treat

Just anticipating the crispy crunch and the nutty, almondlike flavor is making Ray Gonyea's mouth water.  [Full Story]

Entomology professor named director of Purdue honors program

Christian Oseto, professor of entomology and former head of the Department of Entomology, will be director of Purdue's recently established University Honors Program, effective immediately.  [Full Story]

Michigan Governor Granholm Seeks Federal Disaster Declaration for Emerald Ash Borer Infestation

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today formally requested that President Bush declare a major disaster for the state of Michigan as a result of the dangers to public safety caused by the widespread and severe infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in six southeast Michigan counties.  [Full Story]

A Different Way to Play Cricket

As cricket spitters go, Tom Turpin is an amateur. His farthest expectoration catapulted a cricket just 22 feet. It fell far short of the 37-foot hurl that earned Matt Brandyberry, an eighth grader, top honors last month at the Bug Bowl, an annual celebration of creepy crawlies at Purdue University. [Full Story]

Researchers string together players in pesticide resistance orchestra

A Purdue University research team has found a set of genes that may orchestrate insects' ability to fight the effects of pesticides. [Full Story]

Emerald ash borer confirmed in Indiana, one area quarantined

The emerald ash borer, an exotic species of beetle that destroys ash trees, has made its way into Indiana and officials are taking steps to contain it. [Full Story]

Spring weather brings out the best in Purdue Spring Fest

Tropical millipedes emitted a harmless, but smelly, substance onto the skin of visitors to Purdue University's Bug Bowl petting zoo in Smith Hall on Saturday (4/17), the first day of the two-day Spring Fest. [Full Story]

Purdue Turf Science Team to receive award on May 11

Purdue University's Turf Science Team will receive the 2004 Agriculture Team Award on May 11 for its education, outreach and research impact on the state's turf industry.

The award will be presented at an event from 3-5 p.m. in the Whistler Agricultural Research Building, Room 116, and will include a 15-20 minute presentation by the team. [Full Story]