The research, conducted by the Institute of Agrarian Sciences (ICA) and the Center for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics (CBGP), both part of CSIC, has successfully created nanoparticles that act as lures. These particles adhere to the aphid's mouthpart, preventing viruses from attaching and being transmitted to other plants in a non-persistent manner.
This innovative strategy, published in the journal Annals of Applied Biology, addresses a major challenge in agriculture: the rapid spread of aphid-transmitted viruses, which cause significant crop losses. Traditional methods, such as chemical control, are limited due to the speed at which these insects operate.
Trials have demonstrated an approximate 50% reduction in the transmission of the turnip mosaic virus, the zucchini yellow mosaic virus, and the cucumber mosaic virus. Researchers highlight that a nanoparticle designed from one virus can also interfere with the transmission of different viruses, opening possibilities for extending the strategy to a wide range of pathogens.
The lure nanoparticles could be produced directly in genetically engineered plants or applied to crops via spraying. CSIC has filed for a European patent to protect this technology, which represents a promising alternative to insecticides for combating viral diseases in agriculture.
The study received funding from CSIC, the Community of Madrid, and the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
