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.

Related:

• 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