New Breakthrough Insect Filling Gel, Substitute for Pesticides

JAKARTA – Researchers discovered gel containing insects as a substitute for pesticides to protect plants from pests. The use of pesticides that are harmful to the environment is often highlighted because they contain dangerous substances.

New Atlas reported, Thursday (18/4/2024) that for several years, scientists have been trying to find a natural replacement formula to eradicate plant pests.

“The overall result is that appropriately formulated and easy-to-use nematodes can be a highly effective, affordable, and sustainable insecticide alternative for FAW control,” the scientists wrote in a recently published research paper.

Nematodes are small roundworms that grow in the top layer of soil, usually several centimeters thick. Their length rarely exceeds about 2.5 mm. Some species feed on plant roots, while others have a beneficial effect.

One of them, called entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN). They usually lay their eggs inside insects. When the worms lay eggs, they release a poison that instantly kills the host insect. These insects can also be plant-eating pests. In this case, farmers can actually incorporate EPN into the soil via a liquid formulation as a pesticide-free pest control tool.

Research proves that gel containing insects protects plants from pests without using pesticide which is dangerous for the environment.

All three treatments had some effect on caterpillars, but the gel was the most effective, reducing attacks by around 50 percent compared to control plots. As a result, land treated with gel produces an additional 1 ton of corn per hectare.

The researchers said the commercial version of the hydrogel should be cheaper than traditional insecticides, harmless to humans and the environment, and armyworms should not develop resistance.

MG/Muhammad Rauzan Ranupane Ramadan

(msf)