Speaking of cucurbits. Did you know that there is an extract derived from a wild cucurbit called cucurbitacin, that stimulates the feeding activity of corn rootworms. Now corn rootworms are a very serious agricultural pest. They are actually beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) with several species being pests and other native species being quite benign. The beetle larvae feed on corn roots, hence the name "rootworm". The adults feed on various flower pollens and other things. One of their favorites is pollen from cucurbits, which led to the discovery of cucurbitacin. Cucurbitacin can be mixed with insecticide to effectively control the rootworms. The advantage is that by combining the 2, the amount of insecticide that needs to be applied can be reduced by 95% or more, a definite step in the right direction to reducing pesticides in the environment.

I may get in a pickle for saying this, but it is quite a cuke song, a real dilly.

rich r