Leaf cutting ants cause an estimated $8 billion damage each year to eucalyptus forestry in Brazil alone.
Scientists at Bath have developed a molecular sponge that soaks up the pheromones of ants and releases them slowly to attract the pests to an insecticide trap.
Scientists at the Universities of Bath and Sussex have developed a new system that slowly releases ant pheromones to attract pests to an insecticide bait. This means that instead of spraying the whole crop with pesticides, traps can be placed in specific areas for more targeted protection.
Leaf-cutting ants are major pest species of agriculture and forestry in many areas of the tropics causing an estimated $8 billion damage each year to eucalyptus forestry in Brazil alone.
Traditional pesticides often degrade quickly and are not specific to particular pests, resulting in substantial wastage of pest control products, environmental contamination and harmful effects on other insects.
The team of chemists and chemical engineers at Bath used molecular sponges called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), to soak up the alarm pheromones of leaf cutter ants and then slowly release them to attract the insects to a trap.
In addition to experiments, they used computational modelling to simulate the movement of the pheromone molecule inside the pores of the MOFs to predict which structures would give the optimum capacity and speed of release.
They found that by altering the chemical groups within the basic framework structure, they could adjust the speed of release of the pheromones so that the chemicals could be released over a period of several months rather than days.
Field trials of the system by University of Sussex researchers in a eucalyptus plantation in Brazil showed that the pheromone-loaded MOFs had the desired effect in attracting the ants to a trap.
Professor Andrew Burrows, Head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath and Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University’s Centre for Sustainable and Circular Technologies, led the study that is published in the journal Dalton Transactions.
He said: “Insect pheromones have been used previously for attracting pests, but the trouble is they are quite volatile, so their effects don’t last very long.
“Our metal-organic frameworks act as a kind of sponge where the pheromones can be encapsulated in the pores and then released slowly over time.
“Our proof-of-principle study shows that these materials are effective in delivering the pheromone and that the insects respond normally to it.
“This system could reduce the amount of pesticides sprayed on a crop and could be particularly useful for high value crops in small areas.
“We’re currently looking at a range of other insect messenger chemicals including those that can be used to control moth pest species in UK fruit orchards.”
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Molecular sponges
- Psychedelic drugs' therapeutic potential for a range of psychiatric disorders
There's been newfound attention to, and a new respect for, so-called psychedelic drugs—chemicals that alter our senses, emotions, thought processes and/or behavior. Robert Malenka, MD, Ph.D., the ...
- University of Vienna: Nano-sponges with potential for rapid wastewater treatment
Composite material of COF and graphene shows high and rapid adsorption capacity for organic pollutants Efficient adsorbents for industrial wastewater treatment are important to minimize potential ...
- 30 gross problems around your house that can be fixed for under $30
There are also miniature trash cans for your counters, lazy Susans for overflowing cabinets, and even a mildew-proof shower liner — all for less than $30 each. Make sure to keep scrolling for more.
- 39 new sea creatures potentially discovered by scientists - study
Researchers have discovered approximately 39 new sea creatures using both morphological and molecular evidence. The peer-reviewed study revealing the discoveries, published this month in the journal ...
- These 14 Face Exfoliators Will Give Your Skin The Glow-Up It Deserves
We reviewed the best face exfoliators for every skin type, skin concern, and texture preference to reveal smooth, clear, healthy skin, according to dermatologists.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Molecular sponges
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Pheromone-loaded MOFs
- Feed has no items.