UNIVERSITY PARK

Penn State releases new bee guide

A new Penn State Extension publication, Bees of Pennsylvania: A Guide to the Genera, is intended for those interested in learning to identify and learn about the diversity of over 440 bee species in Pennsylvania ecosystems.

Designed for anyone wanting to become more familiar with biodiversity in Pennsylvania, the guide provides an overview of the diverse bee genera found in the state. Instructor Margarita Lopez-Uribe noted that nonexperts can use the guide’s short descriptions of the biology and morphological traits of the different genera to identify bees in the field to the genus level.

The Bees of Pennsylvania: A Guide to the Genera is available for free in print or as a digital download online.

Ag Progress Days deemed success

Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, held Aug. 12-14 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, was a successful showcase of agricultural innovation, research and technology, according to leaders in the College of Agricultural Sciences, which sponsored the event.

Over its three-day run, the annual expo attracted an estimated 42,000 visitors from throughout Pennsylvania and beyond — including agricultural producers and industry representatives, government officials, consumers and families, home gardeners, environmental advocates, horse enthusiasts and others.

New poultry treatment for fowl mites approved

A new way to treat poultry for fowl mites was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July, thanks in part to a team of researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

The treatment, called EXZOLT, can be added to the animals’ drinking water and is used to control northern fowl mites, a blood-feeding parasite that can lead to health problems and lower egg production in chickens and other poultry.

Natural gas-powered tractor to help research

Faculty and students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will soon have expanded opportunities for hands-on learning and research with the addition of New Holland’s fully methane-powered tractor.

The tractor, provided to the college through a partnership of the Penn State Corporate Engagement Center with CNH, a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment whose brands include Case IH and New Holland, incorporates advanced technologies in precision farming, autonomy and connectivity.

Under the partnership, the New Holland T6.180 methane tractor will be available to Penn State for one year, enabling students and researchers to gain hands-on experience with alternative energy technology and study its benefits for sustainable farming.