Rothamsted Researchers Use Lure-and-kill Technology to Battle Legume Pests

Pea and bean weevil and bruchid beetle are common pests of legumes in the UK. Damage caused by these pests affect the quality and value of the legumes, thus farmers spray insecticides to the plants. However, growers have reported that spray applications have become less effective. Thus, Rothamsted Research and partners are conducting a study to develop a control system for the beetle pests eliminating the need for massive insecticide sprays.

In the new biocontrol system, the beetles will be lured to simple devices, baited with beetle-specific attractive odors, where they will be coated with spores of an insect fungal disease. The spores and the attractants will be prepared in a novel formulation that is electrostatically charged and sticks to the beetle's body. When they leave the device they will spread the disease to other beetles. This will lead to reduction of pest population without affecting the environment and other beneficial insects. The insect fungal disease is naturally occurring in the soil and will not affect other animals.

The research will run for four years and will be partially funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Innovate UK, and private companies.

Read more at http://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/news/new-collaborative-research-project-gets-under-way-fight-beetle-pests-pulse-crops-innovative.