Chemical ecological protection of tomato by synergising plant priming and pest deterrence
Lead Research Organisation:
Newcastle University
Department Name: Sch of Biology
Abstract
Summary
When under attack from insect herbivores, tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) (along with many other plant species) release a mixture of volatile compounds into the air. These volatiles can be detected by nearby plants that then prepare (prime) themselves for attack by producing a more rapid and effective defence response against the herbivores. In this project I seek to identify these individual or indeed group of compounds that induce this primed state. Potentially, by utilising the volatiles emitted from infested tomato plants growers worldwide could introduce a pest management system that is not only effective but also organic.
I will be specifically focusing on the greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarium) which is a prevalent and persistent pest to glasshouse-grown crops, notably tomato. Whitefly are currently controlled by a series of common pesticides that, as is well documented, have many negative environmental side effects. The prospect of these organic volatile compounds being used to deter pests and subsequently increase yield is an innovative and exciting one that could benefit growers, buyers and the environment alike.
When under attack from insect herbivores, tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) (along with many other plant species) release a mixture of volatile compounds into the air. These volatiles can be detected by nearby plants that then prepare (prime) themselves for attack by producing a more rapid and effective defence response against the herbivores. In this project I seek to identify these individual or indeed group of compounds that induce this primed state. Potentially, by utilising the volatiles emitted from infested tomato plants growers worldwide could introduce a pest management system that is not only effective but also organic.
I will be specifically focusing on the greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarium) which is a prevalent and persistent pest to glasshouse-grown crops, notably tomato. Whitefly are currently controlled by a series of common pesticides that, as is well documented, have many negative environmental side effects. The prospect of these organic volatile compounds being used to deter pests and subsequently increase yield is an innovative and exciting one that could benefit growers, buyers and the environment alike.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Colin Tosh (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Niall Conboy (Student) |
Publications
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M016765/1 | 30/09/2015 | 31/01/2020 | |||
| 1722121 | Studentship | BB/M016765/1 | 01/01/2016 | 31/12/2019 | Niall Conboy |
| Description | My research team and I have been working on novel control methods for the common glasshouse whitefly using repellent plant based chemicals. We successfully identified a compound from French marigold plants which effectively repelled whitefly from glasshouse grown tomato. |
| Exploitation Route | Our work on companion planting and repellent volatile chemistry could be easily incorporated into tomato production systems, be it for commercial or home grown purposes. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Environment |