DNA metabarcoding diet analysis in a generalist omnivore: feeding trials reveal the efficacy of extraction kits and a multi-locus approach for identifying diverse diets.

Metabarcoding-based diet analysis is a valuable tool for understanding the feeding behavior of a wide range of species. However, many studies using these methods for wild animals assume accuracy and precision without experimental evaluation with known positive control food items. Here, we conducted a feeding trial experiment with a positive control community in pasture-raised chickens and assessed the efficacy of several commonly used DNA extraction kits and primer sets.

Fine-mesh exclusion netting reduces Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) infestation and improves organic fall-bearing raspberry yields.

The economical production of small fruits has been significantly complicated by the spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, throughout its invaded rage. Fall-bearing red raspberries are especially susceptible to D. suzukii, and significant efforts to mitigate their damage are undertaken by growers.

The Impact of Plant Essential Oils and Fine Mesh Row Covers on Flea Beetle (Chrysomelidae) Management in Brassicaceous Greens Production.

Brassicaceous leafy greens are an important crop for small growers but are difficult to produce due to damage by flea beetles. Flea beetles are problematic for growers as they chew many small holes through leaves rendering produce unmarketable. We tested the efficacy of several essential oils, the woven-mesh row cover ProtekNet, and the spunbonded row cover Agribon, compared to organic and conventional insecticides and no spray controls in the spring and fall of 2019.

Characterization of culturable bacterial endophytes and their capacity to promote plant growth from plants grown using organic or conventional practices.

Plants have a diverse internal microbial biota that has been shown to have an important influence on a range of plant health attributes. Although these endophytes have been found to be widely occurring, few studies have correlated agricultural production practices with endophyte community structure and function. One agricultural system that focuses on preserving and enhancing soil microbial abundance and biodiversity is organic farming, and numerous studies have shown that organically managed system have increased microbial community characteristics.