Volatile messenger substances for pest control in viticulture

Using Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPVs) to increase attraction of antagonists to flower strips in vineyards

In recent years, the use of insecticides in viticulture has increased. This is mainly due to the presence of new invasive pests and the increased population of certain harmful insects as a result of the warmer climate. Simultaneously, there is a growing demand for ecological and sustainable plant protection strategies in agriculture.

One method that has so far been underutilized in field crops, but which shows great promise, is pest control using beneficial insects. This is primarily due to their mobility and tendency to migrate. In order to achieve a longer-term colonization of antagonists in viticulture, this project will implement an “attract-and-reward” strategy.

Volatile semiochemicals (Herbivore-induced plant volatiles, HIPVs) will be utilized as attractants. These naturally occurring messenger substances are released by plants when attacked by pests, guiding antagonists to the location of host or prey animals (Attract).

The objective of this research project is to develop a practical and innovative formulation of selected HIPVs in the form of microcapsules. These microcapsules will be applied to flowered verges in rows of vines, providing nectar, shelter, and pests to be controlled as prey (Reward).

Created with BioRender.com

This project is being carried out jointly with Hochschule Geisenheim University (HGU).