Bed bug infestations have grown exponentially and researchers at Pennsylvania State University answered the call. They showed that immobile fungus spores sprayed onto a surface can infect bed bugs. The exposed bed bugs carry the pathogen back to their nests to infect other bed bugs, and die within 3-4 days. This research led to the creation of Aprehend, a nontoxic biopesticide.
NIFA originally published this impact in the NIFA 2017 Annual Report. Want to read about more impacts like this? Check out Fresh from the Field, a weekly bulletin showcasing transformative impacts made by grantees funded by NIFA.
Farm Bill Priority Areas
Bioenergy, natural resources, and environment
U.S. States and Territories
Pennsylvania
