Greenbug

/ˈɡriːnbʌɡ/ noun

Definition

A small green aphid that damages grain crops and other plants by feeding on plant sap, causing yellowing and stunting of growth.

Etymology

From green + bug. This pest aphid (Schizaphis graminum) was identified and named for its distinctive small green body and its habit of infesting green plants and grains.

Kelly Says

Greenbugs have devastated wheat crops throughout North America, but scientists discovered that certain wheat varieties have natural resistance genes—now they're breeding disease-resistant crops by studying what greenbugs can't attack!

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