News from the world of farming. Two big hits to agriculture productivity have recently blossomed: fruit fly feeds on ripe fruit, devastating peach, cherry, apple, pear crop; glyphosate resistant weeds force farmers to till weeds with herbicide increasing pollution and erosion.
The fruit fly is distinguishable from the common fruit fly by a spot on the tip of its wing and it will feed on ripe fruit rather than rotten fruit. I have seen traps out here on the Pacific Coast and I know they are already in the Willamette Valley. One recommendation for small orchardists and home owners is to cover the already pollinated fruit with a fine mesh. This will keep out the birds too.
For more information about glyphosate resistant weeds check out this article in the times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/04/business/energy-environment/04weed.html?pagewanted=2&ref=science
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