Helping spuds defend themselves. (insect control through potato breeding)

From: Science News | Date: July 4, 1987 | Copyright information

Helping spuds defend themselves

Each year, managing insect predation costs potato producers an estimated $120 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). And because of growing insect resistance to them, these chemicals are becoming increasingly less effective. Now plant breeders are helping potatoes fight back naturally -- with an indigenous pesticide and a bug-catching glue.

At Cornell Unversity in Ithaca, N.Y., scientists are crossing ...

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