What if viruses—usually seen as pathogens—could actually help beneficial insects do their jobs better? This bold question is leading to a paradigm shift in how we think about pest control, thanks to fascinating new research. A team of entomologists from Israel’s Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) and the University of Haifa is breaking new ground. While many studies have focused on the helpful bacteria living inside insects, this team shifted their focus to a less-explored area: viruses. The Wasp, the Pest, and the Secret Agent Their research focused on a tiny parasitoid wasp, Anagyrus vladimiri , which is a globally important biocontrol agent used to manage destructive mealybug pests. Inside this wasp, they identified a previously unknown double-stranded RNA virus, which they named Anagyrus vladimiri Reovirus (AnvRV). The virus didn't seem to harm the wasp. But when the scientists compared wasps that carried the virus to those that didn't, they uncovered its secret mi...
Exploring insects, ecology, and integrated pest solutions for sustainable agriculture.