Sundew-inspired spray may turn crop plants into pest-catchers

Image caption: The insect-eating sundew uses a sticky secretion to trap its prey. Image source: Depositphotos. Article by Ben Coxworth. New Atlas – May 16, 2024. Study: PNAS. Source: Wageningen University & Research.

Inspired by a carnivorous plant, scientists have created a sticky spray that could kill pest insects as effectively as traditional toxic pesticides. And what’s more, it’s derived from plain ol’ vegetable oil. It’s no secret that most conventional pesticides are harmful to both people and the environment. They can also be quite expensive, so if farmers can avoid using them, so much the better. […]

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