05-24-2022
Pheromones could help control deadly palm weevilsInvasive, long-nosed beetles known as palm weevils are destroying palm trees across California. In San Diego County alone, palm weevils have killed more than 20,000 palm trees since they were first detected in 2016. Now, scientists at UC Riverside are testing the effectiveness of a pheromone to attract and kill weevils. By seducing the beetles with the chemicals, experts may be able to save palm trees without harming bees. According to study co-author Mark Hoddle, the weevils’ ability to produce very large populations is currently unchecked as...
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