The Insect Allies Program
Started in 2016, the Insect Allies program aims to protect important crops in the United States. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), provides funding to research teams to find quick ways to help plants deal with issues like bad weather, diseases, and insect attacks. One innovative idea is to use insects to deliver special viruses to plants. These viruses can temporarily change the plants to make them stronger against threats.
Penn State University’s Research
At Penn State University, a team of scientists led by Dr. Wayne Curtis is exploring how to use whiteflies to help plants. Whiteflies are small insects that usually harm plants by feeding on them and spreading diseases. In this project, the scientists are turning whiteflies into helpers instead of pests.
How It Works
- Preparing the Whiteflies: Scientists introduce a special, engineered virus into the whiteflies. This virus carries helpful genetic instructions for the plant.
- Delivering the Virus to Plants: The whiteflies are allowed to feed on mature tomato plants. As they feed, they transfer the virus into the plants, with the instructions.
- Helping the Plants: Once inside, the virus prompts the plants to adapt or resist stresses like drought or disease.
- Safety Measures: To prevent the whiteflies from spreading beyond the intended area, experiments are conducted in secure environments like greenhouses. Scientists use containment strategies to control the whitefly population after the experiment. A ‘conditional lethal’ kills the insect soon after they are used, preventing them from escaping.
The Role of Geminiviruses
The viruses Penn State used are called Geminiviruses. These viruses can introduce new genes into plants without permanently changing the plant’s DNA. This means the changes are temporary and will not be passed on to the next generation of plants.
Benefits of Using Geminiviruses
- Quick Action: Plants can rapidly gain new traits to fight off stress.
- Temporary Changes: Since the genetic modifications are not permanent, there’s less concern about long-term effects.
- Controlled Use: Scientists can decide when and where to apply these changes, making it a targeted approach.
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 are focusing on improving maize (corn), a vital crop worldwide.
What They Are Doing
The BTI team is using insects like aphids and leafhoppers to carry beneficial viruses to maize plants. These insects usually feed on maize, so they are effective carriers.
Ethical and Safety Considerations
Using insects and viruses to modify plants brings up important safety questions. Scientists are dedicated to making sure their work does not harm the environment or people.
- Biosafety Protocols: Strict procedures are in place to prevent the spread of modified insects or viruses beyond the research area.
- Regulatory Compliance: Researchers follow all government rules and work with authorities to ensure everything is done safely.
- Transparency: Scientists share information about their work with the public to address any concerns and promote understanding.
Conclusion
The Insect Allies program is an innovative way to protect our crops from various threats. By using insects to deliver helpful viruses, scientists can quickly give plants the tools they need to survive challenges like bad weather and diseases. The work of teams at Penn State University and the Boyce Thompson Institute shows how we can find new solutions to keep our food supply secure. As we face issues like climate change and a growing global population, these advances could play a crucial role in the future of farming.
