Instead of Insecticides, Argentinian Scientists Decode the Planthopper Genome to Fight Corn-Destroying Pests

BUENOS AIRES – Planthopper pests irritate Argentine farmers. Because of this, they decided to decipher the planthopper genome to find out the most effective way to deal with these insects.

An Argentinian scientific institute has succeeded in deciphering the genome of planthoppers, insects that carry bacteria that cause major damage to corn crops in the South American country.

The research determined the genetic makeup of Dalbulus maidis, which will help efforts against the planthopper.

By understanding an organism’s genome, scientists can learn various things about that organism, including how the organism functions, develops, and interacts with its environment.

The genome is the entire genetic information possessed by an organism. The genome functions as a blueprint or complete instructions that regulate all aspects of an organism’s life.

Experts say the planthopper population has soared in recent months. The cause: a lack of frost during last year’s Southern Hemisphere winter.

The tiny insects suck plant sap, transmitting bacteria that cause stunting disease in corn, causing major grain crops to grow with loose or missing kernels.

Research institute Rosario Grains Exchange estimates local farmers will harvest 47.5 million metric tons of corn, about a fifth less than originally estimated due to losses caused by leafhoppers.

“Research into these genomes will help us understand the biology and evolution of insects, which in turn will help predict and mitigate future outbreaks,” the statement said.

They added that these scientific advances could also lead to the development of new transgenic corn varieties that are resistant to planthoppers.

Agricultural analysts say that farmers will likely plant smaller corn fields in the 2024/25 season because of the pest, although fall and winter frosts are expected to improve crop prospects.

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