By Scout Nelson
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is advancing efforts to protect crops from pests through new sorghum research focused on defending against the fall armyworm. This pest damages crops like corn and soybeans and has become a major threat worldwide.
Recent findings from Nebraska’s Department of Entomology, in partnership with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, show how sorghum uses a natural defense system involving the gene Brown midrib 12 (Bmr12). This gene produces the enzyme COMT, which helps the plant respond to insect attacks.
“Sorghum plants that overexpress Bmr12 increase their production of certain hormones and flavonoids — compounds known for their antioxidant properties and various biological activities — increasing disruption of fall armyworm growth and development,” said researcher Joe Louis.
The fall armyworm can damage crops at nearly all growth stages and is known for rapid spread and resistance to pesticides. The Nebraska team explored how flavonoids, released during insect attacks, interfere with the pest’s growth, giving sorghum an edge in natural defense.
By studying gene activation during pest attacks and analyzing the chemicals released by stressed plants, researchers linked higher Bmr12 activity with stronger pest resistance. This finding opens the door for breeding or gene-editing techniques to improve natural pest resistance in sorghum and possibly other crops like corn and soybeans.
“Natural plant compounds like flavonoids could be used to help protect sorghum from fall armyworm and potentially other insect pests in a safer, non-toxic way,” Louis added.
This research was supported by two major grants from USDA-NIFA and the National Science Foundation, totaling over $1.6 million, marking a significant step forward in sustainable crop protection.
Photo Credit:istock-mailson-pignata
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Sorghum