Insects that are beneficial to agriculture face big challenges to their health. Pictured is a honey bee with the parasitic varroa mite, an insect that threatens the health of honey bees worldwide. Chemistry Research Unit scientists are studying this honey bee pest, as well as the small hive beetle, among others, in an effort to protect and strengthen our pollinators.

A-maize-ing seeds inhibit fungi. Fungal infections of crops are a major challenge. Chemistry Research scientists are screening maize seeds for resistance or susceptibility to fungi. Pictured are kernels with altered cell layers and their susceptibility (left) or resistance (right) to a fungus. Resistant kernels may decrease the need for chemical sprays.

Nectar microbes attract pollinators. Chemistry Research scientists, in collaboration with UC Davis researchers, have discovered that microbes within nectar can produce odors that influence the behavior of pollinators (e.g., honey bees). Helping the health of pollinators or flowers may increase yields of affected crops. 

In response to root feeding insects, plants can release odors that attract natural enemies of the feeding insect, such as entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). Pictured is a Chemistry group-developed device for accurate below ground odor sampling. Attracting odors can be used to improve pest control efficiency of native and artificially reared EPNs in agriculture.

Microbe-induced plant defense responses. A myriad of maize defense genes, proteins, and chemicals are elicited in response to infection by microbial pathogens. Chemistry Research scientists are characterizing these responses to enhance endogenous maize resistance against harmful fungi and reduce the need for external pesticide applications in the field.