Reduce pesticides through sound vibrations and stimulate crops with pollinators

02/02/2015

Scientists from northern Italy are experimenting with unusual sound and odor devices, totally ecologically friendly, to fight insects in their crops. Their studies suggest that these methods could be as efficient as chemical methods based on pesticides to protect crops. At the same time, in a field study near Pisa, Italy, researchers are learning how important it is to maintain semi-natural habitats near crop fields. These areas are an important source of pollinators and such appear to have an impact on the performance of these fields.

The European grape moth, and the cicada Scaphoideus titanus They are considered as the main pests of the grape. Farmers generally use phytosanitary products as insecticides, or plant growth regulators to protect their crops against pests and diseases. However, if used badly, pesticides can pose a risk to human health and to the environment.

At the Edmund Mach Foundation in Italy, Ilaria Pertot and her team from the EU PURE Research Project have found ways to reduce the high levels of pesticides in the European wine sector by disrupting the mating processes of pests. The use of special vibrations, and the smell of pheromones will help in the future to avoid the progeny of pests and this could reduce the use of pesticides almost to zero.

In central Italy near Pisa, scientists from the QuESSA EU Research Project want to understand how the land next to the crop fields - known as semi-natural habitats - can help maximize crops. Camila Moonen and her team focus on natural pollinators like the wild bee. In the experiments, they are investigating whether natural pollinators contribute to a higher quality of yield.

Both studies have shown that modern agriculture can still learn from nature and ensure a successful harvest and reduce the use of chemicals at the same time.

Source: Sciencedaily.com