Due to global crises like climate change, economic inequality, and conflict, many people are facing severe hunger. The United Nations reports that in 68 countries, 318 million individuals are experiencing acute hunger, with some places, such as Palestine and Sudan, seeing simultaneous famines.
While these issues stem from decisions made by those in power, we must find practical solutions to combat starvation. Research from the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego offers a promising approach.
A recent study explores a polymer-based spray designed to boost plant health. Lead author Patrick Opdensteinen and his team have developed a spray called polynorbornene that acts as a protective shield for plants. This innovative spray helps plants fend off harmful bacteria and also enhances their resilience to drought.
Plants can suffer from various bacterial infections, which can devastate crops. Conditions like blight can destroy a wide range of vegetables, while canker can harm fruit trees. Climate change is making these diseases harder to combat, as warmer temperatures allow bacteria to thrive in new environments.
So, how does this spray work? Scientists at UC San Diego’s Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering created a synthetic polymer that is harmless to plants. Unlike traditional methods, they produced it in a water-based solution, making it safer for plant use. Co-author Luis Palomino noted that this process made it easier to create a spray that plants can tolerate.
The key to this spray’s success is surprising; it doesn’t require complete coverage of the leaf. Just applying it to part of the leaf provides protection for the entire plant, a finding that amazed the researchers.
Moreover, the spray seems to trigger an increase in hydrogen peroxide in the leaves, which might activate additional plant defenses. In tests, plants treated with the spray demonstrated greater resilience during drought conditions, staying healthier than untreated plants.
Looking ahead, Opdensteinen and his colleagues plan to enhance the spray’s biodegradability and assess any potential toxicity. Their ultimate aim? To roll out this technology in fields and boost agricultural resilience.
For more in-depth information on this research and its implications for global food security, visit the University of California San Diego.
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