13 Like Us on Facebook: BetterFarmingON Better Farming | April 2024 They apply the ladybug scent by diffusing it into the air around the plants, signalling trouble to aphids in the nearby vicinity. In various experiments, the researchers have found that aphids have a reduced preference for ladybug-scented plants. In her most recent paper, Hermann also found that the presence of ladybug odours also reduced the amount of time aphids ate and dropped their population numbers by 25 per cent. According to Hermann, the scent’s components can be commercially produced, which she hopes will make this intervention relatively accessible to develop and bring to market. She and co-author Jessica Kansman, assistant professor of plant sciences and plant pathology at Montana State University, recently received a patent for the scent, which may allow the product to be used as a pest deterrent by commercial operations and consumers in the public. “Our work suggests that the presence of lady beetle odour cues alone may serve as a method to reduce aphid populations, at least short-term, and could be a promising technique warranting further exploration,” Hermann says. Similar chemical ecology processes that use pheromones to manipulate pest behaviour were initially pioneered in pest management as “mating disruption.” Tom Baker, emeritus professor of entomology, helped lead these efforts, which have been applied widely in fruit crop systems with success, Hermann says. Mating disruption reduces successful mate finding of pest organisms using sex pheromones. Hermann’s findings, in contrast, use the “fear of predation” via predator odours to reduce pest attraction, development and feeding. The scent intervention, developed for a widespread and destructive species of aphids, could provide a sustainable agriculture solution, according to the researchers. As opposed to other agricultural solutions that work by killing aphids, Hermann said that this treatment is not expected to result in resistance issues that are common with pesticide application. Moving forward, Hermann said she intends to investigate the community-wide impact of applying the ladybug scent to agricultural fields. Additionally, her lab will investigate similar predator-prey dynamics in new predators and parasitoids, insects whose larvae parasitize other insects. “Together with our colleagues at the Huck’s Center for Chemical Ecology, we’re harnessing the power of these and other natural chemicals and ecological dynamics,” Hermann said. In an era where environmental threats loom larger than ever, our commitment to these sustainable, nature-inspired practices is not just promising – it’s essential for the health and future of our planet.” BF Research UNVERFERTH MFG. CO., INC. P.O. BOX 357, KALIDA, OH 45853 UNVERFERTH.COM • 419.532.3121 SEED TENDERS ›Visit UMequip.com or see your nearest dealer today. GET SAFE, EFFICIENT SEED DELIVERY. The exclusive rubber conveyor belt features offset, U-shaped cleats that are integrally molded into the belt for unmatched durability. After countless hours of research and testing, it was proven that the U-shaped cleats increase carrying capacity while the offset design protects the seed as it moves through the conveyor tube. The bottom line? You’ll protect your investment and fill your planter faster with an Unverferth seed tender! Deliver your seed investment quickly and safely during the narrow planting window with a patented self-filling Seed Runner® or Seed Pro® seed tender! DELIVER YOUR INVESTMENT QUICKLY AND SAFELY SEED PRO® BULK BOX CARRIER SEED RUNNER® BULK TANK TENDER
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