Pocket Diagnostic® plant health rapid tests’ Post

While insects are indeed an integral part of our ecosystem, their presence on the farm can quickly become a threat to plants’ health and overall well-being; this can result from their direct consumption of plant components, reduction in crop yield, or introduction of disease-causing microorganisms into the plant's structure. In this week’s blog, we have explored some of the most common insect pests that afflict farms. Additionally, we have highlighted the top-notch insecticides that prove effective in controlling and eradicating them. Visit our blog page via the link below to gain insightful knowledge. It's an absolute must-read! https://lnkd.in/d_a7-_gC #farmerlife #farminglife #sustainablefarming #organicfarming #agriculturetechnique #farmingtechnique #urbanfarming #ruralfarming #farminginnigeria #ruralagriculture #crops #fertilizer #organicfertilizer #cassava #ricefields #cowpeas #oilpalmplantation #maizefarming #cocoafarm #vegetableseeds #vegetablefarm #farmclearing #farmproduce #cropprotectionproducts

How to Control Insect Pests Using Radiation https://lnkd.in/gUfQed4k

USDA-APHIS has expanded the quarantine area for one of the world’s most destructive invasive species. Impacts of imported fire ants (IFAs) are wide-ranging, including:  - Agricultural impact: imported fire ants cause crop and livestock injury in addition to equipment and infrastructure damage.  - Ecological impact: threat to mammals, reptiles, insects and ground-nesting birds.  - Public health impact: highly aggressive in nature, fire ants possess venom which causes painful burning and blisters in humans.  - Economic impact: In the U.S. alone, damage caused by imported fire ants is estimated by the USDA to cost $6 billion annually. The quarantine area has been expanded in Tennessee and Oklahoma for Solenopis invicta, S. richteri, and hybrids. 🌍 Outside of the Southeastern United States, the red fire ant has also been found in Europe, the Caribbean islands, Australia, New Zealand and throughout Asia. Yes, we have a test kit for that! The InvictDetect™ Plus ImmunoStrip® will detect S. invicta, S. richteri and hybrids of these species. #invasivespecies #rapidtest #diagnostics

How to Control Insect Pests Using Radiation https://lnkd.in/gUfQed4k

👉 THIS is a must-read and a MUST KNOW. The importance of insects..."to the environment can’t be understated, scientists say. Insects are crucial to the food web, feeding birds, reptiles and mammals such as bats." and the producers of so much of our food. To note: "The demise of insects can’t be attributed to any single cause." Habitat loss, industrial farming, climate change, demise of wetlands, artificial light, and concrete sprawl, non-native planting: all are contributing to the demise of insects which contributes to demise of pollination (3/4 of food produced by bees) and the loss of food for songbirds, etc. We must all do what we can to prevent this catastrophe: native planting and natural pest control, support local farmers, and look closely at the beauty of insects... #wearenature https://lnkd.in/gSjRHnNj

Coliforms may be found in a number of habitats, such as soil, aquatic environments, and the intestines of humans and animals. The presence of coliforms in food or water is therefore considered to be an indicator of cross-contamination from these habitats, and therefore a sign of poor hygiene or quality. In such circumstances, the food or water may also have been contaminated by enteric pathogens. Coliforms are generally present in greater numbers and are easier to test for than pathogens, so the coliform test is used as an initial screen to assess the quality of foods and water and the possible presence of pathogens, hence the name ‘indicator organisms’. Take a look at the paper to learn more: https://okt.to/wRIE3N #scienceforasaferworld #analyticalscience #Coliforms #ScienceWhitepaper

Back in March at the National Shellfisheries Association meeting in Baltimore, a groundbreaking session on birds and shellfish sanitation took place, featuring 11 expert speakers. The insights shared were invaluable for shellfish farmers, and here are some key takeaways: 1) Bird presence is seasonal, so plan deterrents accordingly. 2) Birds are smart; you may need multiple deterrents. 3) Repel birds to avoid high fecal coliform samples and farm closures. 4) Deeper waters have lower risks, but caution is crucial. 5) Wild bird waste carries minimal pathogen risk but is still unacceptable. 6) Research in this field is ongoing; there's much more to discover. Various bird-repelling methods were discussed, each with its pros and cons. Know what suits your farm best. Real-life examples emphasized the importance of bird control, as microbial contamination can be challenging to detect. Dr. Martina Müller from the University of Rhode Island presented fascinating observations, revealing seasonal bird activity. Excitingly, more research is planned for 2023. Experts like Dr. Rachel Nobel are pushing for more studies and advanced techniques to identify and manage risks effectively. NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's Christopher Schillaci summarized crucial guidance pending FDA approval, ensuring a range of options for states. Bobbi Hudson from the Pacific Shellfish Institute addressed the complexity of managing bird-related risks, highlighting data limitations. Read the full article about it on https://lnkd.in/eqFbMP9s and choose the June edition. #ShellfishSanitation #BirdControl #Aquaculture #BirdsVsShellfish #FarmSmart #AquacultureInsights #ShellfishSustainability #FarmingSolutions #MarineLife #BirdControlStrategies #InnovationInFarming #ShellfishProtection #EnvironmentalStewardship

Bats: Not So Spooky After All - Beneficial Creatures Deserve More Than a Bite Bats, those often-feared creatures of the night, are actually some of our greatest allies! Found worldwide, these expert pollinators and insect gobblers play a vital role in healthy ecosystems. Without bats, imagine a world with far fewer bananas and a whole lot more itchy mosquito bites. Yet, these beneficial creatures are unfairly demonized due to age-old associations with vampires and witchcraft. Understanding dispels fear, so here's a quick look at the positive impact of bats: Pollinators: Bats play a crucial role in plant reproduction, ensuring a healthy supply of fruits like bananas. Insect Control: Their appetite for insects helps keep pest populations in check, reducing the need for pesticides. Harmless to Humans: Despite myths, most bats pose no threat to humans and actually avoid contact whenever possible.

Wild hogs are becoming an increasing menace to our ecosystems and agriculture. These invasive creatures pose a significant threat to both the environment and our food supply. Here's why we should be concerned: 1️⃣ Ecological Damage: Wild hogs root up soil, destroy vegetation, and disrupt native wildlife habitats. This damage can have long-lasting effects on our ecosystems. 2️⃣ Crop Destruction: Farmers face substantial losses due to hogs devouring crops like corn, soybeans, and more. This directly impacts our food production. 3️⃣ Disease Spread: Wild hogs can carry diseases that can be transmitted to other animals and even humans, posing health risks. Let's protect our environment, safeguard our food supply, and ensure the well-being of our communities. Together, we can address this growing threat. #WildHogThreat #Environment #Agriculture #pigbrigtrapsystem

Meet Dicyphus, the nature's guardian against whiteflies! Whiteflies are notorious pests that can wreak havoc on your crops, leading to reduced yields and financial losses. Dicyphus, a predatory bug, is the hero you need to combat these tiny yet destructive insects. With its voracious appetite for whiteflies, Dicyphus offers a reliable defense mechanism against infestations, ensuring your plants thrive and flourish. By introducing Dicyphus at the beginning of the growing season, you're allowing these predators to establish before whiteflies. Early establishment prevents whitefly populations from exploding, keeping the infestations in check throughout the season. Let nature work for you, GrowLiv Biologicals 🐞 #whiteflies #plantpests #biocontrol #agriculture #agricultureandfarming #horticulture