2026-01-05 – Weekly Biology News : Managing fall armyworm infestations

Last week on the Biology forum, members engaged in vibrant discussions around pest management, time management in research, and the latest biotechnological advances. The impact of fall armyworms on late corn crops sparked considerable interest, as members shared strategies and insights for mitigating damage. Conversations also delved into balancing grant deadlines with research design schedules, highlighting the ongoing challenges of academic life. Additionally, the potential of AI in guiding base edits in perfusion and the significance of specific exome variant counts offered fresh perspectives on cutting-edge research techniques.


This Week’s Hot Topics

  • Fall armyworm pushing through late corn
    The community is buzzing about strategies to manage fall armyworm infestations in late corn. This discussion is crucial for those in agriculture looking to protect their crops.
    Read more here

  • Juggling grant deadlines and design schedule
    Researchers are sharing practical tips on managing the tightrope walk between grant deadlines and research design. It’s a relatable thread for anyone balancing multiple projects.
    Read more here

  • AI-guided base edits in perfusion
    Explore how AI is shaping the future of base editing in perfusion technologies. This topic is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of AI and biotech.
    Read more here

  • Exome variant counts that actually matter
    Dive into the significance of specific exome variants and their impact on research. This conversation highlights the importance of precision in genetic studies.
    Read more here


That’s it for this week’s digest. Looking forward to seeing more of your valuable contributions and discussions in the coming days.

I’ve had better luck catching FAW pressure by “scouting at dusk” with a headlamp and a pheromone trap on the windward edge — dusk is moth happy hour — then treating only small larvae with Bt or spinosad and rotating IRAC groups. If they’re 3rd+ instar buried in whorls this late I skip sprays and just protect border rows, @fieldtech; FAO’s quick guide is solid: Global Action for Fall Armyworm Control | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

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At dawn, soap-flush whorls; treat when about 20% show ‘fresh frass’. Avoid pyrethroid-only in heat: EENY098/IN255: Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

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