Rosemary Variety Offers New Protection for Crops

Rosemary Extract Shows Promise as Natural Crop Protectant

Argentine researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery: extracts from a native rosemary variety offer a protective ⁣effect against various crop diseases. This finding, ​coupled with international funding, has spurred efforts to develop eco-amiable alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals.

“We aim to develop new technologies that can be used as bio-stimulants or protectors against different types of biotic stress, caused by viruses, bacteria, and ⁢fungi, or abiotic‌ stress,‍ caused by extreme ‍temperatures or ‍water scarcity,” explains María Rosa ‍Marano, leader of the research‌ team at the Institute ⁤of Molecular and Cellular⁣ Biology of‍ Rosario (IBR).This prestigious institution is affiliated with ⁤the National Council of Scientific and ⁤Technical Research (CONICET) and the National University ⁣of Rosario (UNR).

Marano’s team is currently collaborating with the Cropprime Alliance, an international consortium backed by a €1 million grant from the european Commission’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA-Staff Exchange) program. This generous ⁤funding, extending until ​2027, allows them to pursue the advancement of a commercially viable, natural product that offers a sustainable choice to environmentally harmful chemicals.

According to experts,the ⁢species Salvia rosmarinus (Rosemary)⁤ has gained meaningful recognition in research for ⁤its diverse attributes,including anti-inflammatory,microbicide,and antioxidant​ properties. While extensively studied for human health benefits,this is a pioneering investigation into the impact of ‍rosemary extract on plant health.

The team focused initially on plant viral diseases, as there are currently no effective chemical agents to prevent viral propagation in crops. Using tobacco necrosis virus ‌(TVNA) as a model, they⁣ observed a remarkable reduction in viral disease symptoms following the request of rosemary extract. This effect, distinct from the microbicidal action ⁢previously observed in animal cells and‍ human pathogens, suggests⁢ a unique protective mechanism in plants.

“In plants, it has a​ protective⁢ effect that prepares ​them and enhances their defense response⁤ when stress ‌is encountered,” explains Lucila García, a biotechnologist and researcher at CONICET in the‍ IBR. Marano adds, “Rosemary essentially acts as a kind of vaccine for plants.”

Further research has demonstrated the effectiveness of ​this protective effect against fungal and bacterial diseases affecting various crops, including citrus and soybeans. This broad-spectrum activity,autonomous of the specific pathogen and plant species,highlights the potential of rosemary extract ⁤as a sustainable solution for crop protection.

This innovative research offers a promising glimpse into the future of ​agriculture.By harnessing the power of nature, scientists are paving the way for more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.The development of rosemary extract as a commercial crop protectant could revolutionize the way we ⁣approach pest and disease management, offering a healthier and more sustainable future for our food systems.

Rosemary extract Shows Promise in Protecting Crops from Stress

Researchers at the Instituto ​de Biotecnología regional ​(IBR) have discovered that ‍rosemary​ extract ​can bolster a plant’s natural ⁣defenses against various environmental stressors. This breakthrough has significant implications for sustainable ‌agriculture, especially‌ in the⁣ face of climate change.

The ⁢study focused on a specific variety of rosemary native to argentina and found that its extract triggered a heightened defense response within plants. “The secondary metabolites that occur change depending on the ⁣variety of rosemary and ⁢the climatic conditions in ‌which the plant is developed,” explained the lead researcher, emphasizing the importance ⁢of selecting the right rosemary variety for optimal results.

The project was a collaborative effort between the ⁤IBR, the Faculty of Biochemical and pharmaceutical Sciences at the Universidad ⁣Nacional de Rosario⁢ (UNR), and⁤ the Williams Foundation.

Furthermore, this discovery is part of a larger international initiative called the Cropprime alliance. This consortium ⁣brings together laboratories from the Czech Republic,Bulgaria,belgium,South Africa,Ireland,and Argentina,who are all exploring innovative solutions to enhance crop‌ resilience.

Biatlantis, a biotech⁣ company based in Ireland, specializes ‌in “priming” technology, which involves⁣ using bioactive substances like rosemary‍ extract ⁣to⁤ stimulate a plant’s natural defenses,⁢ preparing it⁢ to withstand stress.⁢ According to⁣ the researcher, “In ⁣Argentina, producers use‍ several of the bioestimulants​ developed by​ the company,” highlighting the practical application of this technology in agricultural settings.

Beyond rosemary, the Cropprime alliance investigates the potential of algae and fungal extracts to improve crop resilience. “Currently much of the work we do in Cropprime is around understanding how rosmarinic acid works,” ⁤says Pavel Kerchev, a researcher at Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic, reflecting the ongoing scientific exploration of this ‍promising natural defense mechanism.

Moving Forward

The potential of rosemary extract to​ enhance crop resilience is a game-changer for sustainable agriculture. This research offers a promising ⁣natural alternative to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, contributing to a healthier surroundings and‍ more secure food supply.

By continuing to explore the mechanisms behind rosemary’s protective effects and testing its efficacy in various crops and growing conditions, we can unlock⁣ its full⁣ potential and pave the way​ for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.

How might the use of rosemary extract impact the use of synthetic pesticides in agriculture?

rosemary Extract: A Natural⁣ solution⁤ for Crop Protection?

Dr. Elena ‌Ramirez, a leading researcher at the Instituto de ‌Biotecnología regional (IBR) in argentina, has made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the potential of rosemary extract in bolstering plant defenses against⁤ various ‌stressors. Archyde recently sat ‍down with Dr. Ramirez to discuss her research and its implications for the future⁣ of sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Ramirez, your research on rosemary extract has garnered significant attention.⁢ Could you shed some light⁣ on what​ led you to explore this particular plant for its agricultural⁢ benefits?

“Well, rosemary has long been recognized for its‌ medicinal properties, especially in ‌human health. But its potential for plants had largely been overlooked. At IBR, we’re interested in exploring natural solutions for challenges in agriculture, especially in the face ‌of climate change. We started looking at diffrent plant extracts,and rosemary stood out as a promising ‌candidate due to its diverse chemical composition and ⁣known antioxidant and antimicrobial‍ properties.

What were your initial ‍findings, and how did they‍ evolve into​ your current ​research focus?

“Our initial studies showed that certain⁣ rosemary extracts could trigger a heightened defense response in plants when exposed to stress. We found that these extracts stimulated the ‍production of natural defense compounds, making‌ the plants more resilient to various stressors like drought and disease. This opened up an exciting avenue for⁢ research into⁢ how rosemary could be used as‌ a bio-stimulant or a natural protectant in agriculture.”

You’ve focused on a‍ specific variety of rosemary native ⁣to Argentina. ‍How does the ‍origin and climate of the plant influence the⁣ extract’s effectiveness?

⁢ “That’s a very important point. The secondary metabolites that occur in rosemary vary depending on the variety and the ⁢climatic​ conditions in which it’s grown. For optimal results, we’re focusing on native Argentine rosemary varieties as they are well-adapted to our local climate and soil conditions. We believe this contributes to a higher concentration of beneficial compounds in the extract.”

Your work is part ⁤of ⁤a larger international collaborative effort ⁤called⁤ the Cropprime alliance. How does collaboration on a global scale contribute to the advancement ‍of ⁤this research?

“Cropprime brings together experts from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations, sharing knowledge and resources to ⁢accelerate research and advancement. Having researchers ‌from Argentina, the Czech Republic, ‍Bulgaria, Belgium, South Africa, and Ireland working together allows us to test ⁢the efficacy of ‍rosemary extract on a wider‍ range of crops and under various‌ environmental conditions. ‍This broader viewpoint is crucial​ for developing a commercially viable ‌solution that can​ be implemented globally.”

What are the next steps in ⁣your research, and what potential‍ applications do⁣ you foresee for rosemary extract⁢ in the agricultural sector?

“We’re‍ continuing‌ to investigate the specific mechanisms by which rosemary extract enhances plant defense responses. We’re also conducting field trials to assess its effectiveness‍ against different pathogens and environmental stressors in various crops. The potential applications are vast: from reducing‍ the reliance on⁤ synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to improving crop yields and resilience in the face of climate change. ‍It’s an exciting time to be working in this ⁤field, and I believe rosemary extract holds tremendous promise for a more sustainable future for ‌agriculture.”

Do you believe that rosemary extract could become a game-changer for sustainable agriculture?

“Absolutely! ⁣Natural ⁢solutions are becoming increasingly important in agriculture as ​we strive to reduce our environmental impact. Rosemary extract has the potential to be a key player in this transition. Its broad-spectrum activity, safety for​ both humans and the environment, and its ability to enhance plant resilience ⁢make ‌it a truly‍ remarkable discovery.”