Scientists from BASF Crop Protection and the University of Göttingen in Germany have found a new target protein that could help better manage insecticide resistance, the organizations said in a joint announcement Thursday.
Researchers discovered vanilloid receptors, the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) ion channels, as insecticide targets. Results of the study were published Wednesday in the scientific journal Neuron.
BASF and university scientists focused on the mode of action of the insecticides pymetrozine and pyrifluquinanzon. By activating the TRPV channel complex, the insecticides overstimulate the stretch receptors in insects, disturbing locomotion and feeding. Substances with this mode of action are effective against many plant-sucking pests, particularly whiteflies and aphids. By knowing the exact target of the insecticides, the industry can now provide better advice on spray programs to farmers.
BASF Crop Protection Biologist Vincent Salgado said the findings will enable growers to use insecticides more wisely and more sustainably.
“For instance, we would not want to treat fields with these substances one after the other,” Salgado said. “The more you attack one particular site, the faster the insects will become more resistant.”
More Stories
- CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD & AGRICULTURE: CDFA Announces one Vacancy on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee
- AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION: Support Ag Literacy Through the AFB Foundation for Agriculture’s Online Silent Auction
- AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION: Farm Bureau: Members Accept Leadership Roles on National Committees
- CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD & AGRICULTURE: CDFA Office of the Farm to Fork Invites Application for 2021 Farm to School Grants
- CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD & AGRICULTURE: CDFA Awards Funding to Support Agricultural Education and Leadership Opportunities as part of the Calag Plate Program
- AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION: AFBF Welcomes Nomination of Katherine Tai for U.S. Trade Representative
- CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD & AGRICULTURE: CDFA Announces Vacancies on Feed Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcomittee
- AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION: AFBF Stands-Up for Farmers in Predatory Shakedown
- CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD & AGRICULTURE: CFDA Issues Stop Use Notice and Statewide Quarantine on Organic Fertilizer AGRO Gold WS
- AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION: Registration Open for American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention, Featuring Mike Rowe, Rorke Denver and Beth Ford