KANSAS CITY, MO (AP) --
Southeast Missouri, already hit by spring flooding, now faces a trio of onerous insects picking on crops, timber and foliage.
The Japanese beetle, the emerald ash borer and the gypsy moth, already present in other sections of the state, have moved into southeast Missouri. Michael Aide, chairman of the agriculture department at Southeast Missouri State University, said the insects have been advancing into the region recently and have been showing up in greater numbers
The insects have been found in ash trees, vineyards and food crops, including corn and soybeans. The infestation is expected to become worse over the years.
Aide said his department has been working to develop crop and plants that would be more resistant to the pests.
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