D3475: Pretty (dead) in pink: Testing a novel pink pigmented facultative methylotroph as a bioinsecticide

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

Benjamin L. Aigner (he/him/his)

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia

Co-Author(s)

SM

Sean Malone

Virginia Tech
Suffolk, Virginia
AP

Anne Phillips

Sr. Staff Scientist, Specialty Crops
NewLeaf Symbiotics
St. Louis, Missouri
Thomas P. Kuhar

Professor
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia

Biological products deserve attention in agricultural research due to their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides. Among these, the pink-pigmented facultative methylotroph, Methylobacterium extorquens, shows promise as a bioinsecticide. Methylobacterium extorquens deters insect feeding and protects host plants by activating induced systemic resistance (ISR). Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of M. extorquens on various insect pests in vegetable and field crops. Discovery of its potential as an effective bioinsecticide will contribute to further development of sustainable integrated pest management practices in vegetable and field crop production systems.