Phys.Org

by Italia Peretti, University of Maryland. A new study from the University of Maryland identifies key patterns and factors influencing insect pest establishment and detection across the U.S. and suggests public surveillance awareness and involvement is a critical component of efforts to protect agriculture and our ecosystems from harmful pests.

The findings, which were published in the August 2024 issue of Journal of Environmental Management, can be used to improve strategies for early detection and response to new insect pests.

The introduction of non-native species poses substantial ecological and economic threats globally and is a critical driver of environmental change. Early detection is widely seen as crucial to managing and reducing the impacts of emerging pests. However, the role of community members and homeowners in detecting new invasions has not been fully explored until this work.

"Our results highlight areas at highest risk for new pest introductions and where members of the public—people like you and me—have served particularly important roles in detecting new pests," said Rebecca Epanchin-Niell, an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UMD and lead author of the study.

Read on: https://phys.org/news/2024-07-insect-pests-surveillance-critical-early.html