--- title: "Kansas State University Researchers Use Sound Detection to Monitor Crop Pests" url: https://newscentral.site/kansas-state-university-researchers-use-sound-detection-to-monitor/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Science" published: 2026-10-08T02:40:01.000Z updated: 2026-10-08T05:50:53.708Z id: 8a5f0fca-e214-41b6-9235-b3fda9b6e837 source: "Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2026-10-hidden-insects-farmers-early-crop.html" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/kansas-state-university-researchers-use-sound-detection-to-monitor/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Kansas State University Researchers Use Sound Detection to Monitor Crop Pests A team of researchers from Kansas State University has embarked on an innovative approach to detecting crop pests: listening to the sounds made by insects that are hiding within crops. The project's lead researcher, Emily Sur, a master's student in entomology, and her team have been conducting extensive fieldwork to collect data on insect sounds. The research involves placing microphones on soybean plants and recording continuously for several days before carefully examining the plants for evidence of insect activity. This process allows the team to gather unique insights into the behavior of hidden insects. The data collected will be used in conjunction with artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to detect insects within crops. Sur's project is part of a larger initiative known as the Insect Eavesdropper, which aims to revolutionize crop health monitoring across the agriculture sector. This multistate project brings together researchers from various institutions, with Emily Bick, a professor of entomology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, serving as its leader. The team's fieldwork has taken them to muddy soybean fields, where they have been placing microphones on plants and collecting data. The process may seem unconventional, but it is yielding valuable insights into insect behavior. Sur and her students are working closely together to analyze the data and develop a more effective system for detecting crop pests. By combining sound detection with advanced analytics, the researchers hope to provide farmers with an early warning system for crop pests. This could significantly reduce the economic losses associated with pest infestations. The Insect Eavesdropper is a sophisticated tool designed to detect and quantify insect activity by recording subtle plant vibrations that are beyond human hearing range. These vibrations are caused by insects as they feed on plants, making it possible for farmers to monitor pest infestations remotely without having to physically inspect the crops. Insects like these can be notoriously difficult to spot, especially when they're feeding inside plants or underground, which is why early detection is often a challenge for farmers trying to prevent economic losses. The Insect Eavesdropper uses a combination of entomology, engineering, and artificial intelligence to provide more precise and continuous monitoring of pest activity. The deployment of this technology at Kansas State University has been focused on a particularly troublesome pest: the soybean stem borer, also known as Dectes texanus. This insect burrows into plant stems, making it difficult to detect without causing damage to the plants. Researchers are excited about the potential of this tool for early detection of pests, saying that it allows them to identify these invaders without having to sacrifice live plants. The technology has been designed to provide a more precise and continuous monitoring of pest activity, which is a significant advantage over traditional methods. The project demonstrates how interdisciplinary research can accelerate the development of practical agricultural tools from promising technologies. According to researchers, turning promising technologies into useful solutions for agriculture requires teams with diverse expertise coming together to solve real-world problems. K-State's approach involves connecting people, technologies, and resources to create solutions that can be used by industry. This collaborative effort allows researchers to pool their expertise and address complex challenges like detecting pests without harming plants. Working on this project has been a unique experience for many students involved. By collaborating across multiple disciplines and institutions, they gain a broader understanding of their research's contribution to the scientific community. Team members have found that working alongside computer scientists, statisticians, and analysts helps them see how data is used and processed, which in turn enhances their own work. This interdisciplinary approach also enables researchers to develop problem-solving skills. The collaborative effort has pushed students out of their comfort zones, forcing them to confront new challenges and technologies they may not have encountered before. In some cases, this means tackling unfamiliar tools or concepts, such as the Raspberry Pi, a small computer that can be plugged into monitors or TVs. As researchers troubleshoot and work with novel technology, they develop greater confidence in their abilities and acquire valuable skills for future projects. Working alongside graduate students on the research team are undergraduate research assistants who gain valuable experience in managing projects and communicating scientific procedures. This experience will undoubtedly serve them well as they pursue careers in academia, industry, or government, according to McCornack. The project's potential to transform crop health monitoring is also a major draw. Traditional pest detection methods rely heavily on visual observation, which can be unreliable and often only identifies problems after an infestation has taken hold. This is where the Insect Eavesdropper comes in, it introduces a new layer of information that can support better decision-making. The human brain processes visual cues easily, but insects interact with their environments through sounds that are beyond our range. Researchers are developing a system that allows farmers to detect crop pests using sound waves beyond human hearing range. Insects interact with their environments through sounds that are inaudible to humans, and by combining entomology, engineering, and data science, the project is creating a more comprehensive understanding of these interactions. --- Source: [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-10-hidden-insects-farmers-early-crop.html) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/kansas-state-university-researchers-use-sound-detection-to-monitor/