Canadian scientists come up with ways of pest control through nano technology to ensure crop protection without destroying ecosystems.

Canadian scientists are taking advantage of nano technology to revolutionize pest management to protect crops from devastating losses. Plant pests cost the world's economy up to 40% of pre-harvest food crops, putting food security and the livelihoods of farmers at risk.

Dr. Justin Pahara and his team, working at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), are working on specific treatments targeting the use of nano technology combined with chemicals to get them inside harmful insects in a way that will not reach beneficial species such as pollinators. Their study, in which they were supported by the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan, has already led to the discovery of mineral-rich regions in lygus bugs that could be utilized for precision interventions.

Unlike conventional pesticides, which indiscriminately harm ecosystems, this management promises to put an end to the "spray-and-pray" method of farming. By plotting how nanomaterials pass into and accumulate within pests, the team is developing tools to develop safer, more effective solutions.

The research set, as published in the Canadian Journal of Chemistry, sees the use of nano technology useful to help farmers to mitigate against chemical resistance in insects while protecting crop products. The researchers are now offering expansion to weeds and fungi and are supported by the NANO division of the National Research Council of Canada.

If successful, this innovation could boost Canada's $142 billion agriculture industry and establish it as a global leader in sustainable agriculture.