Chemical study of insect-plant interactions: a contribution to biorational control of crop pests

• Grant number: 18/19358-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 14, 2019
• End date: April 21, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Maria Fátima das Graças Fernandes da Silva
• Grantee: Renê Pereira da Silva
• Supervisor: William Daniel John Kirk
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Keele University, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 17/15932-7 - Scientific initiation in integrated studies for leaf cutting ants control: interaction fungal symbiont - yeasts, BP.IC

Abstract

New solutions for managing insect pests are urgently needed due to evolution of resistance to current insecticides. This project focuses on development and bioactivity testing of novel nanotech formulations of plant secondary metabolites that can provide new options for crop protection. Preliminary experiments done by the Keele University (KU) group with PAA (poly(allylamine)) nanotech formulations of essential oils have shown highly significant repellent action, with greatly enhanced activity compared to conventionally formulated material. UK-Brazil collaboration will provide an ideal opportunity to strengthen this new and promising area of research. Both groups will share expertise and work together to create novel nanotech formulations of plant secondary metabolites (flavonoids such as Hesperidin and Naringenin, phenolic acids and essential oils). Bioassays with Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, will be conducted at KU. Antibiotic, antifeedant and repellent activity will be tested for using established methods. (AU)