The big picture: using wildflower strips for pest control
They may be beautiful, but these strips prove pretty deadly for every farmer's mortal enemy: aphids
News
Ancient wheat compound offers natural protection against aphids
Scientists at Rothamsted Research have uncovered a natural defence mechanism in ancestral einkorn wheat that could pave the way for more sustainable pest control in modern agriculture.
The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, reveals the discovery of saponarin—a flavonoid naturally present in Triticum monococcum—which significantly reduces the survival of the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae), a major pest threatening wheat crops worldwide.
Aphids damage wheat both by feeding and by transmitting viruses such as barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), which can cause yield losses of up to 80%. Current control strategies rely heavily on insecticides—a practice increasingly challenged by resistance, regulation, and environmental concerns. This discovery opens the door to breeding wheat varieties with natural aphid resistance, reducing pesticide dependence and supporting sustainable agriculture.
The research focused on two lines of T. monococcum (MDR045 and MDR049), previously shown to contain resistance against S. avenae and the Bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi). Leaf extracts from these lines significantly reduced aphid survival in feeding assays. Using bioassay-guided fractionation, the team identified saponarin as the key compound behind this resistance. Its activity was unique compared to other plant flavonoids tested, except for naringenin.
“These findings highlight the untapped potential of ancestral crop species in modern agriculture,” said Dr. Alexander Borg, co-author of the study. “By identifying and understanding natural resistance traits, we can integrate them into elite wheat varieties and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. Discovering saponarin as a key bioactive compound marks a step toward sustainable pest management and opens new opportunities for integrated crop protection.”
This research underscores the value of ancient grains as a source of natural defence mechanisms—tools that modern agriculture may soon harness to create more resilient, climate-smart crops.
Publication
Contacts
Alex Borg
Postdoctoral Researcher
ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking
discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern
agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with
economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research,
interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world:
The Long-Term Experiments,
Rothamsted Insect Survey and the
North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and
international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
ABOUT BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid
from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant,
dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges,
such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system
to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity,
and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.
ABOUT LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.