ARS scientists developed the new peas under a cooperative research and development agreement with Western Seed Multiplication, Inc., of Oglethorpe, Georgia. In company farm trials in Georgia and Florida, Charleston Greenpack performed well overall and showed excellent resistance to blackeye cowpea mosaic virus. Western Seed has an exclusive license to market this pea variety. From spring to early fall, the Asian multicolored lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis , helps farmers by gobbling pests such as aphids, greenbugs, and other insects that damage crops. But in autumn, the beetles seek refuge.
Homeowners are understandably annoyed.
The insects are harmless, but if disturbed or squashed, they can emit a foul odor and secrete a yellow substance that stains surfaces and fabrics. The new trap uses no insecticide and can be assembled in minutes. Lady beetles and other flying insects attracted by the blacklight are quickly caught in a bag with a nonstick surface. Later, they can be released outdoors. In indoor tests, the trap captured nearly 100 percent of the ladybugs.