Parasitic roundworms (entomopathogenic nematodes) are used to control root-feeding insect pests. A new study now shows that under the right conditions, nematodes can develop resistance against plant defense substances and can thereby increase their efficiency as biological control agents. Image: Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in the infective juvenile stage. Image: Anouk Guyer, University of Bern.
The western corn rootworm, one of the world's most damaging maize pests, can use plant defense compounds to defend itself against its own natural enemies, so-called entomopathogenic nematodes. However, the nematodes can become immune against these compounds in turn, which enhances their ability to fight the western corn rootworm, as researchers at the University of Bern show. This mechanism may contribute to improving biological pest control. The western corn rootworm causes economic losses of over 2 billion US dollars in maize cultivation and is thus a serious agricultural pest. Originally from America, the western corn rootworm is currently invading Europe, including Switzerland. A successful pest. In an earlier study , Christelle Robert and Matthias Erb from the Institute of plant sciences (IPS) at the University of Bern elucidated one of the strategies that underlies the success of the western corn rootworm.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
