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Spanish researchers study naturally pest-resistant tomatoes

Scientists at The Spanish Mayora Experimental Station are researching a tomato variety which secretes different types of sugars that act as a natural insecticide. According to this study ,the Solanum pimpinellifolium tomato variety has a type of hair (trichomes) in its leaves and stems that produces a type of sugar that acts as a natural insecticide against pests and insects, vectors of viruses and other diseases such as spider mites and whiteflies.

The Solanum pimpinellifolium tomato also gives off an odour that repels insects, The scientists of La Mayora are trying to adapt those properties to commercial varieties.

This research has aroused great interest in various seed companies, which are working with the team at La Mayora in order to create varieties that can incorporate these features.

Source: csic.es