Breakthrough in stopping resistance to pesticides

Insects develop resistance by producing enzymes that block pesticides from working. It has long been known that a naturally occurring organic chemical called piperonyl butoxide (PBO) could inhibit these enzymes.

Previous research had tried applying it as a mix with pesticides, but without success - the pesticide was already deactivated by the time PBO had been absorbed through the insect's cuticle.

Graham Moores of Rothamsted Research and Robin Gunning from New South Wales Department of Primary Industries have now developed a way of encapsulating insecticide into crystals that dissolve after five hours, giving PBO time to act before the insecticide's active ingredient is released.

"It has worked on every pest we have looked at to date," said Moores. "I am very, very excited about it. It could have huge implications for control of resistant pests and for using less pesticide to control susceptible pests."

An agreement for applying the technology in horticulture has been made with Italian company Endura Fine Chemicals, the largest worldwide producer of PBO.