How Ferns Could be the Key to Saving Crops and Reducing Insecticide Use
As the world faces the challenge of feeding a growing global population, finding new ways to maximize crop yields is becoming increasingly important. Fortunately, a new discovery by scientists may provide a way to do just that. Researchers have found that certain ferns can be used to save crops from insect pests without the need for insecticides. This could be a gamechanger for farmers, as it could reduce their reliance on potentially harmful chemicals while still protecting their crops. The study, which was published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, found that ferns from the genus Dryopteris contain compounds that repel insects, thus reducing the need for chemical insecticides. Furthermore, the researchers found that the ferns could be used in a variety of different crops, including rice, wheat, and maize. This could have major implications for food production, as farmers could now use a natural, environmentally friendly solution to protect their crops.
source: Phys.org