Problem

How do we protect plants from pests and pathogens without posing toxic risks to consumers?

Findings

Researchers discovered a group of naturally occurring compounds in sorghum—flavonoid phytoalexins—that act as natural pesticides and fungicides and studied the role of these compounds in the ability of plants to resist or deter pathogens and pests.

Impact

Through the understanding of plant genetics, this project is moving toward breeding sorghum and maize crops that use their own natural defenses to resist biotic stressors.

• This is a nontoxic, environmentally friendly solution.
• Use of these crops reduces the need for chemical pesticides.