Crops around the world face enormous challenges—from unpredictable weather to destructive pests and diseases. The Insect Allies Program, funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), aims to tackle these threats by exploring a groundbreaking idea: using insects to deliver special “helper” viruses that can temporarily boost a plant’s defenses. Launched in 2016, this program seeks rapid, on-the-spot solutions for crops when they are under stress, without permanently altering the plant’s DNA.
Penn State University’s Research
One of the teams working under this program is led by Dr. Wayne Curtis at Penn State University. While insects like whiteflies often damage crops by feeding on them and spreading diseases, the Penn State team is flipping this script. Their approach harnesses whiteflies—traditionally seen as pests—and turns them into beneficial carriers delivering engineered viruses to plants, especially tomato plants.
How It Works
- Preparing the Whiteflies
The researchers introduce a specially engineered virus into whiteflies. This virus contains beneficial genetic instructions intended for the plant. - Delivering the Virus to Plants
The whiteflies feed on mature tomato plants. As they do, they transfer the virus into the plant tissue. - Helping the Plants
Once inside the plant, the virus prompts temporary changes that help the plant withstand stresses like drought or disease. - Safety Measures
To prevent accidental spread, all experiments are confined to secure environments like greenhouses. Scientists also use containment strategies, such as a “conditional lethal” mechanism that ensures the whiteflies die off once their task is done, preventing any escape.
The Role of Geminiviruses
The Penn State team’s work relies on Geminiviruses, which have a unique advantage: they can introduce new genes into plants without permanently altering their DNA. This means the new traits are temporary and won’t be passed on to future generations of crops.
Benefits of Using Geminiviruses
- Quick Action: Plants can rapidly gain new traits to resist stress.
- Temporary Changes: Because modifications are not permanent, there is less concern about lingering genetic alterations.
- Controlled Use: Researchers can precisely decide when and where these viral changes are applied.
The Boyce Thompson Institute’s VIPER Project
Another team working on the Insect Allies program is from the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), along with partners from several universities. Their project is called Viruses and Insects as Plant Enhancement Resources (VIPER). They focused on protecting maize (corn)—a globally important food crop.
Rather than using whiteflies, the BTI team employs insects that typically feed on maize, such as aphids and leafhoppers, to deliver beneficial viruses. By using insects already prone to feeding on maize, researchers can effectively target fields without introducing new pests.
Ethical and Safety Considerations
Innovations that involve insects and viruses rightly raise questions about safety, ethics, and environmental impact. The scientists involved in the Insect Allies Program take these concerns very seriously:
- Biosafety Protocols: All experiments are conducted under strict containment procedures to prevent the accidental release of modified insects or viruses.
- Regulatory Compliance: Research teams work closely with government agencies to ensure they meet rigorous regulatory standards.
- Transparency: Researchers openly share their methods and findings with the public, inviting dialogue on potential benefits and risks.
Conclusion
From Penn State’s whitefly-delivered Geminiviruses to the Boyce Thompson Institute’s VIPER initiative, the DARPA-funded Insect Allies Program represents an exciting leap forward in agricultural resilience. By temporarily boosting plant defenses without permanently altering their DNA, these projects pave the way for targeted, on-demand protection against drought, disease, and pests. As climate change and population growth continue to stress global food supplies, these emerging technologies could become critical tools for ensuring a stable and abundant harvest for years to come.
