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US: NC State researchers look into crop-insect interaction

A group of biology researchers want "citizen scientists" to participate in a study of which insects and microbes visit specific crops in different geographical areas. Called the "Great Pumpkin Project," the study, which includes NC State researchers, will help document geographic variation in the insects and microbes associated with some of our most delicious crops – eventually helping farmers improve plant health and crop yields.

Cucurbit crops like pumpkin, squash, cucumber, melon and gourds are an initial focus of the project.

“Most of the calories humanity depends on are from less than 200 domesticated food crop plants,” Lori Shapiro, a postdoctoral researcher at NC State University and one of the project leaders told Matt Shipman at NC State. “Our goal with this study is to learn how the plants that produce our most important food crops interact with insects and microbes in different areas around the world.”

Read more at WRAL Techwire