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What They Are — and Why They Persist Mealybugs are soft-bodied, wax-covered, sap-feeding insects that cluster in protected sites—leaf axils, petioles, nodes, crown tissue, and pot rims. They excrete honeydew that drives sooty mold, reducing photosynthesis and market quality. [...]

Aphids are fast-multiplying, soft-bodied sap feeders that weaken field crops and spread plant viruses. Identification Small, pear-shaped insects with long antennae and two short tailpipes (cornicles) at the rear; colors range from green and yellow to black or brown. Colonies [...]

Morningglories are fast-growing, twining broadleaf vines that tangle crops and structures and are hard to remove once established.These weeds climb by wrapping around stems, trellises, and fences; they don’t just compete for light and water—they also bind equipment, delay harvest, [...]

Carpenter ants weaken buildings by hollowing damp or softened wood to make nests.They don’t eat wood like termites; instead they carve clean, smooth tunnels (galleries) that quietly reduce the strength of trim, frames, rafters, and wall voids. The fastest way [...]

Ethephon is a trusted plant growth regulator that helps pineapple growers achieve uniform flowering and predictable ripening when used responsibly, with the right timing, dosage, and residue management to ensure crop quality and compliance. Ethephon for Pineapple: Why It Matters [...]

Amitraz is a widely used acaricide and insecticide valued for its strong effectiveness against mites and ticks in crops, livestock, pets, and even beekeeping. While generally safe when applied correctly, Amitraz can pose health risks to humans, pets—especially cats—and non-target [...]

What Is Pythium Blight and Why It Matters for Turf Health Pythium blight, also known as cottony blight or grease spot, is a fast-spreading pythium grass disease that affects both cool- and warm-season turf species. Commonly triggered by high [...]

Lawn pests like grubs, beetles, chinch bugs, and armyworms can cause significant damage if not managed early. This guide walks you through the optimal timing for insecticide application, how to recognize pest infestations, and the most effective types of [...]

Thrips (order Thysanoptera) are minute, slender-bodied insects equipped with fringed wings. Despite their size—often less than 1/20 inch long—they are among the most challenging and economically significant pests in both open-field and protected cropping systems. Their piercing-sucking mouthparts enable them [...]

Understanding Dallisgrass: A Persistent Turf Weed Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) is one of the most aggressive and resilient perennial grassy weeds commonly found in lawns, sports fields, and agricultural turf across warm climates. Characterized by its rapid clumping growth, deep root [...]