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Microbe blows those hornworms away: growers and gardeners may get new weapon to combat insect pests. (research by Donald L. Hostetter)

From: Agricultural Research  |  Date: 6/1/1992  |  Author: Woods, Marcia

Agricultural Research Service scientists are developing a microbial insecticide that can kill off many garden pests. The microbe is called celery looper virus, and it kills a range of destructive insects including the hornworm caterpillar, the celery looper worm, cotton bollworms and tobacco budworms. These pests destroy several billion dollars worth of crops each year. Researchers hope to be able to package the microbe as a ecological viral insecticide within five years.

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