14 January
Ants could help farms fight pests and climate-driven crop disease
Researchers say ants may help protect crops like apples, mangoes and cocoa by reducing plant diseases and replacing chemical pesticides.
Ayurella Horn-Muller reports for Grist.
In short:
- Ants secrete antimicrobial substances that protect crops from pathogens and pests.
- Studies show that ants in orchards can significantly reduce disease, such as apple scab and mango anthracnose.
- Some experts remain skeptical, noting existing biopesticides may already be as effective as using ants.
Key quote:
“Ants are a Swiss army knife. Kind of like a multi-tool for farmers.”
— Ida Cecilie Jensen, Aarhus University biologist
Why this matters:
Pesticide overuse can harm ecosystems, spur resistance in pests and worsen climate impacts. Ants offer a natural alternative that could save money and reduce pesticide reliance, though more research is needed to address potential ecological risks.
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