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The article informs about the benefiting use of insects as pest control agents in the U.S. According to statistics, beneficial insects save up to 4.5 million U.S. dollars per year for farmers in the U.S. Many researchers are trying to develop a number of plant species that fit into farming system in the Southeastern states and also increase the number of beneficial insects and improve the whole environment without much effect on crop production.

Features the "Combinable Crop Diary," produced by Makhteshim-Agan to help growers and agronomists avoid killing beneficial bugs in crops. Details of the diary.

Outlines strategies in building useful levels of beneficial organisms in organic farming. Nourishment that must be available to beneficials; Lists of pests that infest produce crops; Transition period from conventional to organic farming. INSET: Five Steps To Better Beneficials.

Discusses how organic growers can build useful levels of beneficial organisms in a field, orchard or vineyard. Explanation of Mike Cherim, director of the Green Spot, Ltd., a supplier of beneficials, on the process of using beneficial populations to terminate crop-killing pests naturally; Significance of diversity in the habitat; Major pests for tomatoes, grapes and citrus fruits and ways to control them. INSET: Five Steps To Better Beneficials.

The article reports that according to a study conducted by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) farmers need to be cautious of using pesticides as pesticides kill beneficial insects also. Topics discussed include insects and spiders sensitive to extreme weather and insecticides, insects being predators for pests, not spraying pesticides at edges of fields to protect beneficial insects and views of Julie Ewald, who conducted the study, on the same.

The article offers information on strategies to control plant bugs in Virginia and North Carolina including recommendations provided by the Mid-South entomologists like scouting for cotton production, diving sprays into seasons and using neonicotinoids to preserve beneficial insects.

The article discusses the role of some species of parasitic wasps as beneficial insects. Ways of attracting beneficial wasps include planting sunflowers and herbs such as fennel and cilantro, which can serve as sources of nectar and pollen for adult parasitic wasps. Using insecticides that do not affect parasitoids is recommended to conserve beneficial wasps.

The article focuses on the occasional infestation of cotton aphids in North Carolina. It relates the low occurrence of cotton aphid infestation wherein cotton producers have only light usage of pest control. It notes that in the past ten years pest controls such as Bifenthrin and Bidrin have been useless on controlling such pest. Moreover, it also adds that beneficial insect such as ladybird, beetles and others were also used in cotton aphids control.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues, including a contract to supply wheat to Bioethanol Ltd. in the May 25, 2007 issue, British Rural Payments Agency's Rural Land Register, and effects of chlorpyrifos on beneficial insects in the May 18, 2007 issue.

The article offers advice on spraying fields infected with orange blossom midges in Great Britain. Jon Oakley of ADAS anticipated that midges abound in most fields in the country after a widespread heavy rain. David Ellerton of ProCam advised growers to apply spray only when necessary. CropWatch agronomist Nick Brown noted that beneficial insects take about 18 months before they could recover from exposure to chlorpyriphos.

The article stresses the importance of considering beneficial insects before using an insecticide. Wilf Powell of Rothamsted said that natural pest control mechanisms were in a fine balance. He identified biological control and the weather as important factors in pest control mechanisms. He explained that overwintered aphids are not a major concern because wasps could survive in mild winters.

Highlights the decision of greenhouse tomato grower Bill VanScoy to expand his greenhouse for the improvement of his tomato sale. Assistance of greenhouse structure manufacturer Rough Brothers to VanScoy in the greenhouse expansion; Addition of heating and ventilation systems in the expanded greenhouse; Use of beneficial insects and biological control systems on the tomato structure. INSET: A Target Market.

Reports on a field study to be conducted in the spring of 2005 to determine the amount of land to be devoted to beetle banks and similar areas favoring indigenous biocontrol insects in order to decrease the use of insecticides in Great Britain. Organizations and institutions involved in the project, including the Game Conservancy Trust; Coverage of the study.

The article reports that Acramite miticide, a new miticide developed by Crompton/Uniroy Chemical, is now registered nationwide for use on cucurbits and fruiting vegetables. It has also received a new registration for use on almonds and other tree nuts in California. The new cucurbit vegetables label includes cucumbers, edible gourds, muskmelon, pumpkin, squash, and watermelon. Fruiting vegetables on the new label include tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. Acramite is safe to beneficial insects and predatory mites.

Focuses on the need to develop integrated pest control systems that will kill pests and preserved beneficial insects. Importance of insects to the ecosystems; Use of biocontrol agents in farming; Effect of using broad-spectrum insecticides.

Reports on the realization of growers on the beneficial role of some insects in helping combat other species.

Reports on the claim of Makhetshim Agan that its Mavrik insecticide does not harm beneficial insects such as bees. Difference of Mavrik from other insecticides; Efficiency of Mavrik against pollen beetle.

Presents news briefs on agriculture in Great Britain as of May 2003. Protection of seed crops from the fusarium complex of diseases; List of beneficial insects in farm; Value of the publications on organic farming.