Scientists are revolutionizing plant protection with a “green” insect glue. The latest research results are astonishing.
Farmers and hobby gardeners have always fought against pests that threaten their crops. Until now, they have often relied on chemical pesticides. However, these not only harm the pests, but also the environment.
Scientists have now developed an ecological alternative: an insect glue that protects plants without harming the environment.
Dutch researchers from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and Leiden University have developed a product that protects plants from both pests and harmful bacteria and viruses. It is a sticky substance that is sprayed onto the leaves. Pests stick to it and can no longer attack the plants.
The researchers around Thomas Kodger, Professor of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, took inspiration directly from nature. “The carnivorous sundew plant has so-called glandular hairs that secrete a sticky substance to catch insects. We wanted to imitate this in order to protect our plants and crops in a natural way.”
For their product, the research team converted vegetable rice oil into a yellow, sticky substance. They then blew air over it and crushed it into small particles using a laboratory mixer. The result is beads about one millimeter in size that are as sticky as adhesive tape. The size of the beads is not arbitrary. It corresponds to that of a common pest insect: thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis).
If the insects stick to the substance, they can no longer cause damage to the plant. The plant is therefore naturally protected from aphids, thrips, mites, etc. with the help of the rice oil protective shield. In addition, the risk of fungal infestation is also reduced – thrips and other harmful insects often transmit such diseases to the plant.
The insect glue could also be effective against other pests, such as the Suzuki fruit fly, which often threatens the cherry harvest.
The researchers see another advantage in their discovery: unlike chemical pesticides, it is unlikely that insects will develop a resistance to this adhesive. Kodger explains: “Insects have already evolved to avoid adhesion, for example by growing hairs on their bodies. Enlarging their bodies is one of the few ways to escape this sticky trap.”
The sticky substance stays on the leaves for up to three months. It is not washed away by rain. Only a mixture of water and soap can remove it. The insect glue is also harmless to humans, say the researchers. It is probably no more harmful than frying oil, they explain.
The pesticide is not yet available for purchase. However, the scientists want to set up a spin-off company to further develop, market and sell the glue. However, the environmental impact and the degradation of the oil in the soil must first be investigated. The company is expected to be launched by the end of the year at the latest, they say.
