A group of eighth-graders from Riverview Elementary School in Reedley toured the UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center today for an introduction to agricultural science.

In Kearney's greenhouse facility, UC staff showed the students some of the pests farmers must manage - including leaf footed bug, navel orange worm and olive fruit fly - and explained research underway to help farmers control pests in ways that are effective and environmentally sound.

Students were encouraged to touch the insects.

Students peer into a tent filled with leaf footed bugs.

Staff research associate Andy Molinar informs students about May and June beetles.