Produced by the International Association for the Plant Protection Sciences (IAPPS). To join IAPPS and receive the Crop Protection journal online go to: www.plantprotection.org
If plants can pick fungi to help fight pests and diseases, it opens a door to greener farming and ecosystem recovery
The Conversation
Just beneath your feet, an ancient and silent alliance endures. This alliance between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is one of the oldest biological partnerships on Earth.
Going back almost half-a-billion years, this relationship paved the way for plants to make it onto land. These early plants, simple and without the complex root systems of plants today, forged an alliance with fungi. This alliance has been instrumental to the evolution of plant life and has helped shape our ecosystems.
That sharp, green smell of freshly cut grass? It’s a plant’s cry for help – and it may work as a less toxic pesticide for farmers
The Conversation
Have you ever wondered about that sharp, green note that hits your nose when you mow the lawn or cut flower stems? Those are green leaf volatiles, or GLVs: easily evaporated oils that plants use to communicate with other plants and defend themselves against herbivores or pathogens like bacteria or fungi.
Almost every green plant can quickly synthesize and release GLVs when attacked, both directly warding off attackers as well as indirectly attracting predators of herbivores like insects and priming the plant’s other defense mechanisms. Researchers know that GLVs play an important role in protecting plants, but how they work remains unclear.
I am a biochemistry researcher, and through a collaboration between the Wang Lab and Stratmann Lab of the University of South Carolina, my colleagues and I study how plant cells deploy green leaf volatiles. In our recently published research, we identified the potential signaling pathways GLVs use to induce defense responses in tomato cells. Our ultimate goal is to figure out ways to use GLVs to control agricultural pests for cleaner farming.
FP Next – Deep Dive: The coordinator of Nebraska’s On-Farm Research Network shares insights into studies on crop biologicals and their impact on your bottom line.
CHECK IT OUT: One of the best ways to decide which crop biologicals or nontraditional crop products work in your geographic area and cropping management system is to test them out in your own fields. CURT ARENS
At a Glance
There are hundreds of biologicals, biostimulants and other nontraditional crop products on the market.
A starting point in testing these products might be planting simple “with” and “without” test strips across a field.
Planting test strips across a range of nitrogen rates, along with check strips, offer the most useful results.
It’s like the Wild West out there in the world of crop biologicals. There are hundreds of products, but many farmers don’t know where to start to decide which ones, if any, will boost their bottom line, improve crop health or reduce nutrient inputs.
There are many questions. How do I decide which biologicals will work on my farm? How do I know if they are worth the money? Where do I start to test in the field what works on our own farm?
The new Farm Progress podcast — FP Next — powered by John Deere, sets out to answer those questions by visiting with Laura Thompson, Nebraska’s On-Farm Research Network coordinator, in a Deep Dive episode (listen below). Listen to all episodes of FP Next.
Burning questions
Gleaned from the podcast, here are some of the questions Thompson answered, shedding light not only on biologicals and other nontraditional crop products, but also talking about how farmers can test the effectiveness of these products on their own farms.
What exactly are crop biologicals and biostimulants and why are they important? There are a lot of different products that we categorize as biologicals or biostimulants. In our on-farm research, a lot of times we look at these products as what we call more nontraditional products. These could be things like biologicals, biostimulants, as well as other things. But we’re looking at products here that have been derived from natural materials. These include beneficial microorganisms. These could be things like bacteria or fungi, but also products like seaweed extracts, amino acids, humic acids and organic compounds.
Regardless, the idea is to try to stimulate or interact with the plant and the soil to help promote growth, or it could be increasing nutrient uptake. There are a variety of reasons producers might be interested in utilizing these products. They have gained a lot of attention recently, and the reasons for that are there is interest in reducing chemical inputs, and an emphasis on soil health and how we can promote more sustainable farming practices.
These products are available for a wide variety of crops like corn, soybeans and dry edible beans, but also high-value crops and horticultural crops.
Tell us about some of your most recent studies relating to biologicals in the field. We’ve had product testing dating back many years. One of the benefits of doing that research through the On-Farm Research Network is that we have a nice repository of those studies available now. We have what is called our results finder database, where you can search and filter by different products and product names in different categories and look at how those products are performing for different people in different parts of the state, and in different production systems.
Studies that people are looking at include some commercial products like Pivot Bio and other products. A large variety of products have been tested over the years. And then some producers look at their own products as well, like homemade compost tea extracts, for instance.
Something that’s fun about our On-Farm Research Network is that it is really farmer-driven. We have such a huge variety of studies in our network because we have all the innovative and curious farmers across the area coming up with the different topics they are interested in, and we’re working with them on those studies.
These producers testing some of their own extract products are really interested in seeing how these impact (their operations) over the long term. That’s beneficial because we think about these products as being biologicals. We know that it takes time in a system to make a difference, for the system to adapt and change and to start to measure what the change might be in terms of synthetic fertilizer applications, herbicide applications and soil health.
Where do you start and how do you decide whether these products are paying off in the long run? Knowing we have such different conditions, soils, landscapes and management practices is why on-farm research is most beneficial for producers. It doesn’t have to be that complicated to test a product. But as you’re thinking about adopting a new product into your operation, it’s important that producers are getting data on how that product is performing. We all come with our bias.
If we purchased that product, we want to see how it works. If we’re just anecdotally looking to apply to the whole field and kind of going with a gut feeling, it’s natural to have a bias since we paid for a product. We want to see something, whether it is there or not.
Maybe do a test on a couple of fields first. Maybe this is the year you put in some check strips and collect the data for yourself. Maybe you will see that your gut feeling is correct, or maybe it is not what you thought.
How can producers evaluate these products on nutrient uptake for instance in their own fields? A lot of these products are looking at things like providing nitrogen for the crop. Producers often set up trials that do some simple “with” and “without” product tests. That’s a great starting point.
With precision ag technology, we’re seeing producers looking at these products at a variable nitrogen rate, maybe applying a range of nitrogen rates, maybe ranging from 75 pounds to 200 pounds of N. Applying biological products across those rates and leaving a check across those rates as well helps us look at the impact.
One of the challenges producers faced in the first couple of years of testing these products was that they would do a test over a reduced nitrogen rate and maybe see no impact for that product. This can be discouraging. But we don’t know if that N rate they were testing was already in excess of the optimal rate. That’s why we’re trying to work with producers to test across a wider range of N rates to see what product impacts might be at the optimal N rate with and without the product. This gives us a chance to see where that product might fit.
Another benefit of doing this kind of variable-rate approach and putting it into a prescription like this is that we can test it with different geographies within the field. Maybe we have some silty clay loam, and maybe we have a sandy pocket in the field. We can see if we have any difference.
In some cases, we’re not seeing an impact with these products. But that’s the depth of the testing we need to do to verify if that is the case for each producer in each region of the field. If we are not seeing a positive response, then it is still important information to have going forward in making management decisions.
Curt Arens began writing about Nebraska’s farm families when he was in high school. Before joining Farm Progress as a field editor in April 2010, he had worked as a freelance farm writer for 27 years, first for newspapers and then for farm magazines, including Nebraska Farmer.
His real full-time career, however, during that same period was farming his family’s fourth generation land in northeast Nebraska. He also operated his Christmas tree farm and grew black oil sunflowers for wild birdseed. Curt continues to raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa and runs a cow-calf herd.
Curt and his wife Donna have four children, Lauren, Taylor, Zachary and Benjamin. They are active in their church and St. Rose School in Crofton, where Donna teaches and their children attend classes.
Previously, the 1986 University of Nebraska animal science graduate wrote a weekly rural life column, developed a farm radio program and wrote books about farm direct marketing and farmers markets. He received media honors from the Nebraska Forest Service, Center for Rural Affairs and Northeast Nebraska Experimental Farm Association.
He wrote about the spiritual side of farming in his 2008 book, “Down to Earth: Celebrating a Blessed Life on the Land,” garnering a Catholic Press Association award.
Sarah McNaughton of Bismarck, N.D., has been editor of Dakota Farmer since 2021. Before working at Farm Progress, she was an NDSU 4-H Extension agent in Cass County, N.D. Prior to that, she was a farm and ranch reporter at KFGO Radio in Fargo.
McNaughton is a graduate of North Dakota State University, with a bachelor’s degree in ag communications and a master’s in Extension education and youth development.
She is involved in agriculture in both her professional and personal life, as a member of North Dakota Agri-Women, Agriculture Communicators Network Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority Alumni and Professional Women in Agri-business. As a life-long 4-H’er, she is a regular volunteer for North Dakota 4-H programs and events.
In her free time, she is an avid backpacker and hiker, and can be found most summer weekends at rodeos around the Midwest.
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Brazil’s Quiet Revolution: The Rise of Biopesticides in Agriculture
Brazil’s agriculture is witnessing a quiet revolution with the rise of biopesticides. Farmers like Adriano Cruvinel have increased soybean yields by 13% and reduced chemical pesticide use by 76%. As Brazil faces challenges in balancing agricultural advancement and environmental stewardship, the adoption of biopesticides offers a promising path towards sustainable farming.
Brazil’s Quiet Revolution: The Rise of Biopesticides in Agriculture
In the verdant expanses of Brazil, a quiet revolution brews amidst the rows of soy, corn, and cotton that stretch as far as the eye can see. Here, in the world’s largest exporter of these crops, a significant shift toward sustainability is underway. Leading the charge is Adriano Cruvinel, a farmer whose soybean yields have surged by 13% thanks to a bold decision: slashing chemical pesticide use by an astonishing 76% in favor of biopesticides. This move toward natural pest management solutions is not just a personal win for Cruvinel but signals a potential turning point for Brazilian – and possibly global – agriculture. As of February 2024, the adoption of biopesticides is gaining momentum, promising a future where farming works in harmony with nature rather than against it.
The Rise of Biologicals in Brazil’s Agri-Frontiers
The transformation witnessed on Cruvinel’s farm is part of a broader trend sweeping across Brazil. Farmers across the nation are increasingly turning to biopesticides – natural alternatives to chemical pesticides – to bolster crop health and yields. This pivot is driven by the unveiling of innovative biopesticide products, such as FMC’s Onsuva, a fungicide designed to combat major soybean and cotton diseases, and Premio Star, an insecticide effective against a wide array of pests. The introduction of these products, showcased at the Show Rural 2024, marks a significant milestone in Brazil’s journey towards sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, the release of Presence Full, a biological nematocide, and Provilar, a biocide harboring bacillus endospores, underscores the agricultural sector’s commitment to reducing chemical use and enhancing crop safety.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the promising strides made by pioneers like Cruvinel, biopesticides remain in their infancy in Brazil, accounting for just 9% of total pesticide sales. This nascent stage is partly due to the country’s heavy reliance on chemical pesticides, fueled by its status as the world’s top consumer. The recent softening of regulations on agricultural chemicals by Brazilian legislation, met with criticism from environmentalists, further complicates the landscape. Additionally, the controversy surrounding Brazil’s pesticide use has international ramifications, with opponents of the EU-Mercosur trade deal citing concerns over the nation’s pesticide consumption. These challenges highlight the delicate balance Brazil must navigate between agricultural advancement and environmental stewardship.
Experts Weigh In: The Path to Global Adoption
The journey of biopesticides from niche to mainstream is fraught with hurdles, yet experts remain optimistic about their global potential. AgriBusiness Global’s recent interviews with industry players shed light on the critical factors for widespread adoption. Key among these is the demonstration of biopesticides’ efficacy in boosting yields and reducing reliance on chemical alternatives, as evidenced by Cruvinel’s success. Furthermore, the development and marketing of innovative products like Onsuva and Premio Star play a pivotal role in persuading farmers to make the switch. For biopesticides to take root globally, the agricultural sector must embrace these natural solutions, proving that sustainability and productivity can coexist.
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The narrative unfolding in Brazil’s vast fields is more than a tale of agricultural innovation; it is a testament to the power of sustainable practices in shaping the future of farming. As biopesticides begin to find their footing, bolstered by the success stories of farmers like Cruvinel and the pioneering spirit of companies like FMC, the vision of a greener, more productive agriculture becomes increasingly tangible. Yet, the path forward is not without its obstacles, requiring a concerted effort from all stakeholders to overcome regulatory, environmental, and market challenges. Brazil’s journey with biopesticides not only illuminates the potential for a seismic shift in global agriculture but also serves as a call to action for nations worldwide to consider the legacy they wish to leave on the planet’s agricultural landscape.
Bees and Biocontrol: A Leap Towards Sustainable Agriculture
In an innovative approach to agriculture, Agrobío SL is trialing a natural precision agriculture system that uses bees for biocontrol to combat the Botrytis cinerea pathogen. This method promises a leap towards sustainable farming by reducing chemical pesticides, increasing crop yield, and protecting the environment.
Bees and Biocontrol: A Leap Towards Sustainable Agriculture
In a groundbreaking approach to agriculture and pest control, Agrobío SL, a pioneering entity in the field of sustainable agriculture, has embarked on a trial that could mark a significant shift in how crops are protected and nurtured. This initiative, launched in December, leverages the innovative Natural Precision Agriculture System developed by Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. (BVT), aiming to tackle the pervasive threat of Botrytis cinerea, commonly known as gray mold. This pathogen, notorious for affecting over 1000 plant species, poses a substantial challenge to crop productivity and sustainability worldwide.
The Dawn of a New Era in Crop Protection
The collaboration is part of Agrobío’s contribution to the ADOPT-IPM project, an undertaking funded by the European Union, designed to refine and enhance Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. By integrating BVT’s natural precision agriculture system into their greenhouse tomato crops in Spain, Agrobío is not just combating a prevalent plant disease but is also pioneering a shift towards more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly farming practices. The eight to ten-month trial will critically assess the system’s effectiveness in managing Botrytis compared to traditional chemical-based spray programs, promising a potential paradigm shift in agricultural pest management.
A Symbiotic Solution Harnessing Nature’s Ingenuity
At the heart of BVT’s system is a remarkably innovative method of delivering biological pesticide alternatives directly to crops, utilizing commercially grown bees. This eco-friendly approach not only aims to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides but also seeks to enhance crop yield and protect the ecosystem. By exploiting the natural behavior of bees, the system ensures precise and targeted delivery of natural pest control agents, minimizing waste and maximizing effectiveness. This method presents a win-win scenario, safeguarding both plant health and the surrounding environment, thereby supporting the broader goals of sustainability and ecological balance.
Implications for the Future of Agriculture
The trial by Agrobío not only signifies a critical step forward in the fight against plant pathogens like Botrytis cinerea but also embodies the broader movement towards natural precision agriculture. As the results of this trial are eagerly awaited, the implications for agricultural practices are profound. Success could herald a new age of farming where efficiency, sustainability, and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive but are instead seamlessly integrated into a holistic approach to crop management and protection. Moreover, the adoption of such innovative solutions underscores the potential for technology and nature to work in harmony, offering promising avenues for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in contemporary agriculture.
As Agrobío SL and Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. navigate through this trailblazing trial, the eyes of the world are on them, anticipating the outcomes that might not just revolutionize the way we protect our crops but also how we envisage the future of farming. With a focus on harmony with nature, efficiency, and sustainability, this venture into using bees for biocontrol represents not just a step but a leap towards a future where agriculture works hand in hand with nature, for a healthier planet and a more sustainable tomorrow.
First genetically modified banana approved for growth in Australia and possible sale in NZ.
The GM banana plants contain an introduced gene from wild banana Musa acuminata subspecies malaccensis
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Food Standards Australia New Zealand has approved a genetically modified banana for sale as food in Australia and New Zealand.
The announcement comes as the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care said a licence was granted to allow the Australian Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to commercially cultivate GM banana plants modified for resistance to the fungal disease Fusarium wilt, also known as Panama disease.
In Australia, Panama disease affects a number of banana plantations in the Northern Territory and Queensland.
The Panama disease fungus persists in soil for decades and there are no effective control measures, the department said.
“The licence allows GM banana plants [to be] grown in all banana growing areas in Australia, subject to restrictions in some states and territories for marketing reasons,” the department said.
The QUT does not intend the GM banana plants to replace the current Cavendish banana cultivars growing in Australia, but wanted to create a safety net to the Australian banana industry should it be heavily impacted by Panama disease.
“The Regulator has not imposed any specific measures to manage risk, as the risk assessment concluded that this release of GM banana plants poses negligible risk to the health and safety of people or the environment,” the department said.
The GM banana plants and their products may enter general commerce, including use in human food and animal feed, the department said.
The GM banana plants contain an introduced gene from wild banana Musa acuminata subspecies malaccensis.
In NZ, the Ministry for Primary Industries reported that over the past five years NZ imported 99.8 tonnes of bananas from Australia, with an import value of $550,422, the majority dried bananas.
A spokesperson for Woolworths NZ said it does not import bananas from Australia, and that the several thousand tonnes of bananas it does import are under certifications that prohibited GMOs.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) did not respond to specific questions but pointed to its website that had information on the approval.
“Australian and New Zealand food ministers [were notified] of the decision on 16 February 2024. Food ministers have 60 days to consider the approval. If they do not request a review, the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code will be amended to permit the sale and use of food derived from the banana,” the website says.
“QUT has indicated there are no immediate plans to commercialise the GM banana in Australia as Panama disease is currently contained and effectively managed in the domestic industry.
“FSANZ safety assessment found food derived from banana line QCAV-4 is as safe and nutritious as comparable conventional banana already in the Australian and New Zealand food supply.”
The GM bananas and any derived food products will be subject to mandatory GM labelling.
However, “food intended for immediate consumption that is prepared and sold from food premises and vending vehicles (for example restaurants, takeaway food outlets and caterers) is exempt from GM food labelling requirements. In these cases the consumer can seek information about the food from the food business,” the FSANZ website says.
Brazil’s agriculture is witnessing a quiet revolution with the rise of biopesticides. Farmers like Adriano Cruvinel have increased soybean yields by 13% and reduced chemical pesticide use by 76%. As Brazil faces challenges in balancing agricultural advancement and environmental stewardship, the adoption of biopesticides offers a promising path towards sustainable farming.
Brazil’s Quiet Revolution: The Rise of Biopesticides in Agriculture
In the verdant expanses of Brazil, a quiet revolution brews amidst the rows of soy, corn, and cotton that stretch as far as the eye can see. Here, in the world’s largest exporter of these crops, a significant shift toward sustainability is underway. Leading the charge is Adriano Cruvinel, a farmer whose soybean yields have surged by 13% thanks to a bold decision: slashing chemical pesticide use by an astonishing 76% in favor of biopesticides. This move toward natural pest management solutions is not just a personal win for Cruvinel but signals a potential turning point for Brazilian – and possibly global – agriculture. As of February 2024, the adoption of biopesticides is gaining momentum, promising a future where farming works in harmony with nature rather than against it.
The Rise of Biologicals in Brazil’s Agri-Frontiers
The transformation witnessed on Cruvinel’s farm is part of a broader trend sweeping across Brazil. Farmers across the nation are increasingly turning to biopesticides – natural alternatives to chemical pesticides – to bolster crop health and yields. This pivot is driven by the unveiling of innovative biopesticide products, such as FMC’s Onsuva, a fungicide designed to combat major soybean and cotton diseases, and Premio Star, an insecticide effective against a wide array of pests. The introduction of these products, showcased at the Show Rural 2024, marks a significant milestone in Brazil’s journey towards sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, the release of Presence Full, a biological nematocide, and Provilar, a biocide harboring bacillus endospores, underscores the agricultural sector’s commitment to reducing chemical use and enhancing crop safety.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the promising strides made by pioneers like Cruvinel, biopesticides remain in their infancy in Brazil, accounting for just 9% of total pesticide sales. This nascent stage is partly due to the country’s heavy reliance on chemical pesticides, fueled by its status as the world’s top consumer. The recent softening of regulations on agricultural chemicals by Brazilian legislation, met with criticism from environmentalists, further complicates the landscape. Additionally, the controversy surrounding Brazil’s pesticide use has international ramifications, with opponents of the EU-Mercosur trade deal citing concerns over the nation’s pesticide consumption. These challenges highlight the delicate balance Brazil must navigate between agricultural advancement and environmental stewardship.
Experts Weigh In: The Path to Global Adoption
The journey of biopesticides from niche to mainstream is fraught with hurdles, yet experts remain optimistic about their global potential. AgriBusiness Global’s recent interviews with industry players shed light on the critical factors for widespread adoption. Key among these is the demonstration of biopesticides’ efficacy in boosting yields and reducing reliance on chemical alternatives, as evidenced by Cruvinel’s success. Furthermore, the development and marketing of innovative products like Onsuva and Premio Star play a pivotal role in persuading farmers to make the switch. For biopesticides to take root globally, the agricultural sector must embrace these natural solutions, proving that sustainability and productivity can coexist.
The narrative unfolding in Brazil’s vast fields is more than a tale of agricultural innovation; it is a testament to the power of sustainable practices in shaping the future of farming. As biopesticides begin to find their footing, bolstered by the success stories of farmers like Cruvinel and the pioneering spirit of companies like FMC, the vision of a greener, more productive agriculture becomes increasingly tangible. Yet, the path forward is not without its obstacles, requiring a concerted effort from all stakeholders to overcome regulatory, environmental, and market challenges. Brazil’s journey with biopesticides not only illuminates the potential for a seismic shift in global agriculture but also serves as a call to action for nations worldwide to consider the legacy they wish to leave on the planet’s agricultural landscape.
‘Tiny titans of the farm’: Nanotechnology poised to revolutionize agriculture, but cautious steps needed
on February 18, 2024
In a landmark review, scientists highlight how nanotechnology is set to transform the global agricultural sector, addressing challenges posed by climate change and rapid population growth. A comprehensive review by a research team at the School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala in India sheds light on how this cutting-edge technology is poised to revolutionize farming practices, ensuring food security for the rapidly growing global population.
According to the research team, the specter of food insecurity looms large, fueled by a potent cocktail of climate change, population growth, and unsustainable farming practices. Yet, amidst the challenges, a glimmer of hope emerges from the world of the infinitely small: nanotechnology. This powerful science, manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular level, holds the potential to transform agriculture, boosting yields, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring food security for generations to come.
Imagine a future where farmers wield tools not unlike magic wands. Nano-fertilizers deliver nutrients directly to plant roots, eliminating waste and pollution. Miniscule biosensors embedded in soil whisper vital information about nutrients and moisture levels, guiding irrigation with laser precision. Even the genetic makeup of crops could be subtly tweaked, imbuing them with resilience against pests and diseases.
These aren’t mere futuristic fantasies; they are the tangible promises offered by nanotechnology. Researchers are already exploring a dazzling array of applications. Nano-capsules loaded with pesticides target specific pests, minimizing collateral damage to beneficial insects and the environment. Nano-coated seeds sprout faster and resist disease, while nanoscale materials woven into packaging extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
The environmental benefits are equally compelling. By delivering nutrients with pinpoint accuracy, nanotechnology promises to drastically reduce agricultural runoff, a major source of water pollution. Additionally, the development of more precise pesticides and the potential for pest-resistant crops could translate to significant reductions in harmful chemicals used in conventional agriculture.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. While the potential of nanotechnology is undeniable, concerns linger. The long-term impact of nanoparticles on the environment and human health remains unclear. Questions hang over potential toxicity, unintended ecological consequences, and the possibility of nanoparticles entering the food chain.
Furthermore, ethical considerations cannot be ignored. The large-scale adoption of nanotechnology in agriculture raises questions about corporate control, access to technology for small farmers, and potential economic disruptions.
Acknowledging these concerns is crucial. Responsible development and rigorous research are paramount. We must ensure public engagement, transparent dialogues, and robust regulatory frameworks to guide the path of nanotechnology in agriculture.
Imagine a scenario where diverse groups of farmers, scientists, policymakers, and consumers collaborate to unlock the potential of nanotechnology while mitigating its risks. This collective effort could pave the way for a future where food security is not a dream but a reality, achieved through sustainable practices that nourish both people and the planet.
The journey towards this future will not be easy. It will require careful navigation, but the potential rewards are too significant to ignore. In the face of mounting food security challenges, nanotechnology offers a beacon of hope, but only if we approach it with wisdom, precaution, and a collective commitment to responsible development. The tiny titans of the farm stand ready, waiting for us to decide whether they will be wielded for abundance or allowed to remain untapped potential.
Spotted lanternfly, an invasive threat to fruit crops and many trees, reveals a potential weakness
Scientists have discovered that the spotted lanternfly, an invasive threat to fruit crops and many trees, may have an Achilles heel – an attraction to vibration.
A native of China, the insect was discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread to 13 other states. Though beautiful as an adult, the insect is a voracious eater that feeds on woody and ornamental trees as well as a wide variety of crops and plants.
According to Richard Mankin, an entomologist with the Agricultural Research Service’s Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology in Gainesville, FL, spotted lanternfly has the potential to be an agroeconomic nightmare. Left unchecked, he said, Pennsylvania alone could lose hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs.
Fortunately, Mankin and two research colleagues (Barukh Rohde, postdoctoral researcher at the University of New Hampshire, and Miriam Cooperband, entomologist with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) found a way to potentially corral and control the pests. Their research was published in the Journal of Economic Entomology.
“[Spotted lanternfly] can be controlled with pesticide, but spraying grapevines is problematic, so there is a need for other control methods,” Mankin said. “There were rumors that lanternflies are attracted to vibrations of buzzing electrical power lines, so we did a laboratory study of nymph and adult responses to 60-cycle (60Hz) vibrations. The rumor proved to be correct! Both nymphs and adults walked towards the source of [the] vibrations.”
Using vibration to entice the lanternflies to gather is a major step toward improving control methods, including traps. Mankin said that further research will focus on finding ways to disrupt spotted lanternfly mating behavior.
Vibrations may not disrupt all spotted lanternfly mating in vineyards, but there have been some positive results in studies with other similar pests. Mankin said that scientists have recently achieved mating disruption of grapevine pests (leafhoppers and glassy-winged sharpshooters) in Italy and California, respectively, by sending vibrations along grapevine wires. Grapes are commonly grown with their vines hanging from suspended wires.
Mankin has experience with disrupting the mating behavior of invasive pests. He and Rohde previously co-authored papers that explained how vibrations could mimic the “mating calls” of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) to trap them and disrupt their mating behavior.
Successful development of an integrated pest management program could result in growers using fewer insecticide applications – saving time, energy, and money. It could also help reduce the risk of pesticide exposure to pollinators and other inadvertent impacts on the environment. – by Scott Elliott, ARS Office of Communications
“If you stop dealing with Tuta, if you’re not careful, it could easily come back again”
Start early, preferably even before the plants start growing. That’s the message from Eric Kerklaan of HortiPro to tomato growers using Isonet-T. In illuminated crops, this means that growers will already have the confusion pheromone in place, often in combination with pheromone traps with PheroTuta, and in non-illuminated crops, growers will have also already started with the pheromones. Or they will do so soon. “Most growers set up the traps with PheroTuta two weeks after planting. Isonet-T is already in place by then. Together, they form a good system against Tuta absoluta.”The crop protection specialist doesn’t expect Tuta absoluta, also known as the tomato leafminer moth, to come from outside at the beginning of week 4. “But you never know what could happen in the greenhouse,” he quickly adds. “Especially if you ended up with Tuta at the end of the previous season; then it could easily come back.”Eric has heard of growers who ended up with Tuta last year. “At the very end, the Isonet-T is sometimes not placed, which I think is a bad way to cut costs. If you had also had Isonet-T in place at the end, you wouldn’t have had Tuta at the end of your production period.”Isonet-T is recognizable by the brown-red polymer tube from which the confusion pheromone is released.DisasterGrowers will try to remove the Tuta absoluta from the end of the previous tomato crop during the crop rotation period, but experience says that it’s not easy. “The question is where the Tuta hides. Tuta can overwinter in pupae, which have a kind of antifreeze. When the temperature rises, the antifreeze evaporates. The pupa then emerges. That’s how the cycle begins. Two males are not so bad, but as soon as you have one male and one female…”Then, a disaster can suddenly occur, in the sense that the pest will spread rapidly throughout the spring. “By placing Isonet-T, you can prevent such a disaster.”CleanSome growers choose to spray before using biological control agents. Eric advocates doing it without spraying whenever possible and introducing the biological agents as quickly as possible, that is, Macrolophus in tomatoes, to combat Tuta. “Finish clean, start clean and on time; that’s my main message.”Now, after the crop rotation and with a clean greenhouse, Eric advises checking the greenhouse for seedlings from the old crop. “As soon as a new plant grows out of it, you will see that the Tuta immediately goes there. And you don’t want that. Look for old plants you might have missed and remove them immediately.”PheroTuta pheromone trapControlWhat growers want is not to have Tuta on old plants but for it to seek out the pheromone traps with PheroTuta from HortiPro. “Our PheroTuta pheromones attract both males and females.” Growers are advised to start with 20 traps per hectare when planting a new crop. They need to place the traps under the cultivation gutter. “Isonet T should have also been placed already. Together with PheroTuta, this forms a system. PheroTuta helps control the effectiveness of Isonet-T. As soon as you catch one female, you know that Isonet-T is no longer working effectively.”Another necessary measure is weighing the dispensers with Isonet-T. Weigh ten every week, advises Eric. “If the weight is the same two weeks in a row, you know that the dispenser is empty. There is always evaporation.”Dutch growers may use Isonet-T three times a year. That way, they can ensure year-round use. The advice is to use 100 dispensers per 1,000 m² of cultivation area. Growers should hang the dispensers 1.50 meters above the soil in a shady, not too warm, place.For more information:Eric Kerklaan and Lennart SimonseHortiProinfo@hortipro.comwww.hortipro.net
Plants produce a range of chemicals known as volatile organic compounds that influence their interactions with the world around them. In a new study, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have investigated how the type and amount of these VOCs change based on different features of tomato plants.
The research is published in the Journal of Chemical Ecology.
The smell of cut grass is one of the defining fragrances of summer. Smells like that are one of the ways plants signal their injury. Because they cannot run away from danger, plants have evolved to communicate with each other using chemical signals. They use VOCs for a variety of reasons: to help prepare their own defenses, to warn each other of threats, to recruit beneficial soil microbes that can help plants grow, and to alert insect predators that there is a pest chewing on that plant’s leaves.
“When a caterpillar chews on a leaf, the plant sends out a signal that calls out to the caterpillar’s predators. It’s like a billboard that tells them where lunch is,” said Erinn Dady, a graduate student in the Ngumbi lab.
Studying the factors that influence VOC emissions, therefore, is key to understanding plant health. In the past, other studies have looked at how soil microbes like arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi or caterpillars or the variety of tomato plant can influence VOCs. In the current study, the researchers studied the collective influence of all these factors on plant chemistry using four tomato varieties—two heirlooms and two hybrids.
“Previous studies looked at tomato varieties that are grown conventionally at a massive scale for processing, and are not usually grown by small farmers, so we decided to ask Illinois farmers what they grow. Based on their feedback, we chose tomato varieties that are commonly grown in central Illinois,” Dady said. The hybrids used were Mountain Fresh and Valley Girl, and the organic heirlooms were Amish Paste and Cherokee Purple.
The researchers compared the responses of untreated plants to those that had been exposed to AMF, caterpillars, or both. They studied the VOCs by enclosing the eight-week-old tomato plants with an odor-blocking oven bag for an hour. They drew out the air around the plants and analyzed the different chemicals produced by each plant using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry.
The AMF and the caterpillars, separately, decreased the volatile emissions in all four varieties of tomato plants. Their effect when present together was minimal compared to the effects when either one was present.
Although it is unclear why the beneficial fungal associations decreased the VOCs, it is concerning that the plants were not as responsive to the caterpillars. Furthermore, the hybrid tomatoes emitted lower quantities of volatiles compared to the heirloom tomatoes.
Esther Ngumbi, left, and Erinn Dady studied the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, caterpillars, and the variety of tomato plants on plant chemistry. Credit: Fred Zwicky
“Heirloom tomatoes—the big, juicy tomatoes we all love—are bred for flavor. Meanwhile, hybrids are grown for large scale conventional production, which comes at a cost to the plant,” said Esther Ngumbi (CIS/MMG), an assistant professor of integrative biology. “Our work suggests that we are compromising plant defenses through our breeding processes.”
The plants were also evaluated based on their growth both above the ground and in the soil. The researchers found that plants that had associations with the fungi had higher leaf biomass and more complex root structures.
“AMF form partnerships in over 80% of the land plants, setting up a trade where the fungi extract nutrients from the soil in exchange for carbon from plants,” Dady said. “We found that especially in Cherokee Purple, AMF may confer additional benefits, including enhanced growth and greater emission of VOCs.”
Surprisingly, the plants that were treated with caterpillars had greater plant growth.
“These plants had more biomass in both their roots and above the ground, which seems counterintuitive because they’ve actively been eaten. I would assume they would have less biomass,” Dady said. “It is possible that the caterpillars triggered a growth response, similar to how you prune a tree to make it produce new growth.”
The researchers are interested in further investigating the growth response to caterpillars.
“It’s possible that the plants decided that the number of caterpillars we were using were not sufficient to be considered a threat and that’s why they kept growing. It is also possible that the caterpillars weren’t hungry enough to cause enough damage,” Ngumbi said.
“There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that we don’t yet understand. For example, we are barely scratching the surface in understanding the role of different microbes,” Dady said. “People tend to think that plants are not intelligent, but our studies have shown that they are actively responding to the environment around them using chemistry.”
“We are trying to spread the gospel of plant chemistry, it’s the language plants use to communicate and we are excited to learn more,” Ngumbi said.
More information: Erinn R. Dady et al, Plant Variety, Mycorrhization, and Herbivory Influence Induced Volatile Emissions and Plant Growth Characteristics in Tomato, Journal of Chemical Ecology (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s10886-023-01455-w
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Isonet-T is recognizable by the brown-red polymer tube from which the confusion pheromone is released.DisasterGrowers will try to remove the Tuta absoluta from the end of the previous tomato crop during the crop rotation period, but experience says that it’s not easy. “The question is where the Tuta hides. Tuta can overwinter in pupae, which have a kind of antifreeze. When the temperature rises, the antifreeze evaporates. The pupa then emerges. That’s how the cycle begins. Two males are not so bad, but as soon as you have one male and one female…”Then, a disaster can suddenly occur, in the sense that the pest will spread rapidly throughout the spring. “By placing Isonet-T, you can prevent such a disaster.”CleanSome growers choose to spray before using biological control agents. Eric advocates doing it without spraying whenever possible and introducing the biological agents as quickly as possible, that is, Macrolophus in tomatoes, to combat Tuta. “Finish clean, start clean and on time; that’s my main message.”Now, after the crop rotation and with a clean greenhouse, Eric advises checking the greenhouse for seedlings from the old crop. “As soon as a new plant grows out of it, you will see that the Tuta immediately goes there. And you don’t want that. Look for old plants you might have missed and remove them immediately.”
PheroTuta pheromone trapControlWhat growers want is not to have Tuta on old plants but for it to seek out the pheromone traps with PheroTuta from HortiPro. “Our PheroTuta pheromones attract both males and females.” Growers are advised to start with 20 traps per hectare when planting a new crop. They need to place the traps under the cultivation gutter. “Isonet T should have also been placed already. Together with PheroTuta, this forms a system. PheroTuta helps control the effectiveness of Isonet-T. As soon as you catch one female, you know that Isonet-T is no longer working effectively.”Another necessary measure is weighing the dispensers with Isonet-T. Weigh ten every week, advises Eric. “If the weight is the same two weeks in a row, you know that the dispenser is empty. There is always evaporation.”Dutch growers may use Isonet-T three times a year. That way, they can ensure year-round use. The advice is to use 100 dispensers per 1,000 m² of cultivation area. Growers should hang the dispensers 1.50 meters above the soil in a shady, not too warm, place.For more information:
Eric Kerklaan and Lennart SimonseHortiPro
Global Plant Protection News 