Location: Chemistry Research
Project Number: 6036-30400-001-000-D
Project Type: In-House Appropriated
Start Date: Oct 9, 2025
End Date: Oct 7, 2030
Objective:
Objective 1: Investigate chemical communication of agricultural plant-insect-microbe interactions
Sub-objective 1A: Collect and analyze volatile profiles, perform bioassays, and identify semiochemicals of agricultural insect or microbial pests, with emphasis on leaffooted bugs and associated microbes
Sub-objective 1B: Determine volatile biomarkers from insect or microbe pest infestations of agricultural products
Objective 2: Improve pollinator-dependent crop systems via investigation of interactions between flowers, pollinators, florivores, microbes, and pesticides
Sub-objective 2A: Develop floral microbial biocontrol technology to increase the resilience of crop flowers to disease while maintaining pollinator health and affinity.
Sub-objective 2B: Explore pollen and nectar chemistry, including primary and secondary metabolites, and the influence of factors such as management practices, microbial metabolism, and environmental conditions on floral reward composition
Sub-objective 2C: Compare the influence and interaction of application timing and environmental conditions on pollinator exposure to pesticides applied to flowers
Approach:
The overarching goal of this objective is to provide new or improved biological, behavioral, or cultural control methods to reduce agricultural reliance on broad spectrum chemistries. In our second objective, we extend this goal to crop flowers. Many of our most nutritious and economically significant crops are pollinator-dependent, however pollinator populations are in decline due to a myriad of stressors, including adverse effects caused by exposure to agrochemicals that are applied to blooms to prevent disease and herbivory. Balancing crop protection with preservation of pollinators is essential for pollinator-dependent crops and more tools and methods are needed. In our second objective, we seek to reduce reliance on pollinator-harming fungicides by developing a microbial biocontrol product that can be used in flowers. We also explore pollen and nectar nutrition and chemistry, which are essential to pollinator health. Finally, we seek to identify best practices for insecticide control of thrips in blooms that reduce risk to pollinators.