Australian technology could revolutionise insecticides

Date:08-28-2009

Researchers say a new Australian breakthrough in overcoming insecticide resistance will revolutionise management of pest insects.

Industry and Investment New South Wales says the new technology will turn back the clock on pest resistance for food producers all over the world, when its rolled out commercially by an Italian chemical company.

The technology works by blocking the enzymes that insects use to process pesticides safely, then releasing the pesticide from microcapsules several hours later.

Researcher Dr Robyn Gunning says the breakthrough will particularly have an impact in the third world, where the farmers cant afford expensive new insecticides.

"If we can give new life to the older cheaper insecticides which the farmers can afford, it will be very important for global food production."