Utah State scientists seek cricket-killing fungus

Published: Sunday, July 5, 2009 10:23 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

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.

previousnext

Latest comments

Cougs brace for coaching changes

...you better take note that BYU has won 3 of the last 4 and the Utes are...

Bingham validates No. 1 ranking

olympus destroyed bingham.

Top 20 boys basketball

olympus is number 1... they destroyed bingham and was up almost the entire...

He gave the appropriate sentence and can't go above and beyond what the law...

is the best player in the State. Go Weber let's take care of the Runnin...

Many gays have singled out LDS for hate but LDS have often spoken in favor...

I hope that you're never on a jury. You're logic is that of a true simpleton....

Pagan, Maybe Bell's neighbors didn't attack him because he was gay. They...

Utah Utes football: Ute's safety net

According to Max Hall.

BYU claims five Fulbright Scholars

@Anonymous: stay anonymous. Even negative non-Fulbrighters should be able to...

Advertisements