By Andi Anderson
A researcher at Michigan State University (MSU) has received a $325,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop an innovative yeast-based biopesticide.
This new biopesticide targets the invasive spotted wing drosophila (SWD), a pest that has severely impacted berry and fruit crops across North America. Since its detection in Michigan in 2010, SWD has posed a growing challenge for fruit growers due to its ability to infest ripe fruits like berries and cherries.
The research team, led by an MSU expert in entomology and tree fruits, is working alongside a genetic specialist from Indiana University to create a sustainable alternative to conventional pesticides.
This yeast-based biopesticide will utilize advanced RNA technology, a method previously proven effective for other pests. Unlike broad-spectrum pesticides, this biopesticide targets specific genes in SWD, leaving non-target organisms unharmed.
SWD has disrupted pest management programs for crops like cherries and blueberries, which are key to Michigan agriculture.
The pest’s unique egg-laying mechanism allows it to infest ripe fruit, making it difficult to control with traditional pesticides. Conventional pesticides require frequent applications, which drive up costs and can lead to pesticide resistance.
The team’s innovative approach leverages yeast’s natural “attract-and-kill” properties, allowing researchers to create an efficient, low-impact biopesticide.
The project’s objectives include scaling up production for testing, analyzing its effectiveness as a long-lasting attractant, and evaluating its impact on other insects to ensure safety. Researchers will also develop strategies for deploying the biopesticide along crop edges, where SWD typically enters orchards.
A critical component of the project is outreach, with the team committed to sharing findings with farmers through extension programs.
The goal is to create a viable, eco-friendly solution that could be adopted by fruit growers worldwide, especially in regions where SWD has had the greatest impact.
Michigan’s high rates of blueberry and tart cherry production make it an ideal testing ground. The invasive SWD has increased production costs by an estimated 30%, adding urgency to the need for an alternative control method.
This project represents a promising step toward protecting essential crops and supporting sustainable agriculture practices for growers.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety