Utah State scientists seek cricket-killing fungus
LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University scientists are on the lookout for a fungus that might help in the fight against Mormon crickets.
A team working with insect pathologist Donald Roberts is analyzing about 10,000 soil samples from 17 different states in the hopes of isolating the fungus, which is capable of killing bugs in the right conditions. The researchers say it's already being used to control grasshoppers in Australia, Africa and South America.
They say the fungus can't be imported because of federal restrictions so they're looking for a domestic supply. Roberts and others believe it likely exists in soil near the Mexican border.
If developed properly, the researchers say the fungus could be more environmentally friendly at controlling insects than pesticides.
Recent comments
The last time we had a cricket infestation, we had ducks in our...
BJ | July 7, 2009 at 11:44 a.m.
When crops are weak Nature's clean-up crew takes over by chomping...
al | July 5, 2009 at 6:15 p.m.
Man... I hate bugs
Anonymous | July 5, 2009 at 4:56 p.m.
- New holiday meaning for Breinholt 6:29 p.m.
- Flu rates remain stable; clinics set 6:23 p.m.
- Otter released into Provo River 6:20 p.m.
- U. puts Universe Project on hold 6:18 p.m.
- Salem rezones land for industry 5:48 p.m.
- Tempering water shutoff rules 5:47 p.m.
- NFL capsules for Thursday's games 5:45 p.m.
- Transactions 5:40 p.m.
- Civil suit in teen's death will proceed 5:35 p.m.
- Wisconsin upsets Maryland 5:33 p.m.
- Donny and Kym dance to victory
- Howard made the rivalry a rivalry
- Crews free man in Utah County cave
- Cougars cruise past Southern
- Loyal to Cougarettes, Crimson Line
- Twitterati to BCS: 'We hate you.'
- Y. focused on 10-win season
- BYU has slim shot at BCS
- Thunder rolls by Jazz
- Witness describes '99 killing
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
258 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?227
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple205
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks202
- Bronco, Kyle rubber match139
- BYU records with win133
- Letters: Rushing to judge Palin129
- Hall, Johnson matchup key102
- Thunder rolls by Jazz101
- Boys basketball rankings101
Latest comments
A year hardly seems lone enough!
How did you manage to get tickets? They were sold out till they were...
Too many yewts fans automatically assume that this is BYU's last chance for...
Last night I saw the 2010 4A champs demolish PG. PG could be good but had...
We would have put him in jail and thrown away the key. Major Double standard....
Can we please get our facts straight before posting. Utah St. played...
hem. never mind
Oh man. I always did feel bad for him not getting any playing time but I...
The Iraq war was approved by Reps and Dems because everyone believed we were...
BYU talking RPI after playing Southern, LOL