the evolution of chemical resistance among insects<\/a>, as reported by the Cornell Chronicle, a news source based out of Cornell University.<\/p>\nMutations may lead to misery<\/strong>
\nResearchers from Cornell have been working to help dairy farmers by studying the impact of various pesticides. One of the products they focused on was permethrin. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, permethrin belongs to a class of pesticides known as pyrethroids, which alter the functionality of nerve cells. It is commonly used on food crops, livestock and housing, food handling establishments and transportation. About 2 million pounds of the chemical compound are used in the U.S. annually.<\/p>\nIn their research, the Cornell scientists studied generations of flies in their laboratory, and discovered three distinct mutations that affected their response to permethrin and other pesticides. While one of these mutations was associated with a high degree of permethrin resistance, another mutation was tied to a low degree of resistance. However, contrary to what they would have expected, the mutation that caused the most resistance to the pesticide was not the most common in the fly population. This may be explained by the cost in fitness imposed by the mutation, and the researchers hope that additional research will find an answer.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, the scientists recommend that farmers use their pesticides more wisely.<\/p>\n
"Only use insecticides when they are needed," Cornell entomologist Jeff Scott told the Cornell Chronicle. "[Some farmers decide,] it's Tuesday and I need to spray.' We recommend that farmers monitor [fly] levels and only use an insecticide when they will benefit from spraying."<\/p>\n
Additionally, Scott recommended that farmers alternate which pesticides they use by switching them every season or every month. They may also find it beneficial to use biological controls. According to the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, there are four main types of biological pest control:<\/p>\n
\n- Parasitoids – Insects such as wasps lay their eggs inside the bodies of pests, gradually killing them.<\/li>\n
- Pathogens – Bacteria, viruses or fungi are applies through standard spray mechanisms.<\/li>\n
- Predators – Beetles, spiders and other arthropods feed directly on the pests.<\/li>\n
- Weed-feeders – Insects and other arthropods can be used to eat and eliminate plant pests.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
In some cases, it may be appropriate or efficient to use a combination of these biological methods at the same time, or carefully coordinate their use alongside pesticides such as permethrin.<\/p>\n
Do not forget sanitation<\/strong>
\nWhile pesticides and biological pest controls are certainly valuable, farmers need to remember that cleanliness and proper sanitation may attract fewer pests in the first place. According to Purdue University, preemptive measures should include removal of manure at least twice a week, maintenance of manure accumulation in liquid pits below the water line, and prevention of the accumulation of wet straw or other potentially decomposing matter around housing units.<\/p>\n