As a freshman, Mason Ward took a chance and applied to the Freshman Research in Plants (FRIPS) Program with the thought that he would give research a try. Ward wasn’t sure if research would be a major part of his collegiate career, but figured by pushing himself he would certainly learn something new. Now, three years later, Ward’s extraordinary research…
Entomology ⋅ Page 1
A Culture of Collaboration
World-renowned interdisciplinary plant biology research at Mizzou gets a big boost from new $28.2 million plant growth facility
For nearly 150 years, scientists from the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri have contributed to advancements around the globe. Many have heard the story of Charles Valentine Riley, an MU professor and Missouri’s first state entomologist, who saved the French wine industry from decimation by an insect, the grape phylloxera. The aphid had…
After Hours: Bands to Bugs
Kevin Rice's passion for music helped lead him to entomology
Entomology wasn’t always a passion for Kevin Rice. In fact, a career in that field wasn’t even on Rice’s radar growing up. Rice, an assistant professor in the Division of Plant Sciences, received his bachelor’s in biology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville before earning his master’s in entomology (Auburn University) and Ph.D. in entomology (The Ohio State…
My Brother’s Beekeeper
Program brings tools together to protect hives
A program at the Fisher Delta Research Center offers beekeepers an opportunity to protect hives from pesticide drift.
Pest Busters
Come to CAFNR with all your pest problems
The University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) reopened April 1, with new clinic director Patricia Wallace leading. The Clinic will once again provide assistance to county Extension specialists, commercial businesses and citizens in Missouri with their pest problems.
Crawling Research
Tiny critters may be the cause of an emerging plant disease
Vineyards of the Midwest may be in danger by an emerging virus. A little bug not normally indigenous to Missouri is being tested to see if it is the culprit. The Grapevine vein clearing virus (GVCV) was first discovered in 2004 in a commercial vineyard in Augusta, Missouri. The disease gets its name from typical symptoms including translucent veins on young leaves and a decline of vine vigor. In the advanced stages, the affected vines become dwarfed and bear fewer fruit sets.
Little Bug, Big Stink
New pest may soon invade Missouri farms and homes
A new stinkier stinkbug may hitchhike into Missouri this year to destroy crops and upset homeowners, says a University of Missouri entomologist.
Wurdack Field Day offers forage and silvopasture research, honors a friend
The 2011 Field Day season concluded at Wurdack Research Center, Crawford County, with presentations on silvopasture, how to improve forage quality, and deal with changes in the cattle market. Attendees also saw the dedication of the Munson Education Building.
A Suspicious Insect
MU entomologist studies a bug that may transmit a flesh-eating disease
Is a little-known predator insect that lives its life underwater in the tropics the cause of an outbreak of a mysterious flesh-eating disease? Robert Sites, entomologist and professor of entomology at the University of Missouri, recently returned from Tanzania with specimens that may help other scientists and physicians answer that question.