Ants could help farms fight pests and climate-driven crop disease

Researchers say ants may help protect crops like apples, mangoes and cocoa by reducing plant diseases and replacing chemical pesticides.

Ayurella Horn-Muller reports for Grist.

In short:

Ants secrete antimicrobial substances that protect crops from pathogens and pests.
Studies show that ants in orchards can significantly reduce disease, such as apple scab and mango anthracnose.
Some experts remain skeptical, noting existing biopesticides may already be as effective as using ants.

Key quote:

“Ants are a Swiss army knife. Kind of like a multi-tool for farmers.”

— Ida Cecilie Jensen, Aarhus University biologist

Why this matters:

Pesticide overuse can harm ecosystems, spur resistance in pests and worsen climate impacts. Ants offer a natural alternative that could save money and reduce pesticide reliance, though more research is needed to address potential ecological risks.

LISTEN: The allure of regenerative agriculture
Opinion: The global food system is failing small-scale farmers — here’s how to fix it
Protecting crops with predators instead of poisons

grist.org

From our Newsroom

Ants could help farms fight pests and climate-driven crop disease

Encouragement boosts people’s likelihood to take climate action

A climate case for turning farm waste to building materials

The world has pledged to triple climate financing for poorer countries. Is the UK about to U-turn?

Energy Star program survives Trump administration's budget cuts

Canadian nickel mine’s plan to store carbon in waste rock

China to see solar capacity outstrip coal capacity this year

Solar energy gains ground across Africa, but challenges persist

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.