Scientists From Southern Chile Develop Biopesticide From The Lupine Legume

The lupine, a legume of South American origin cultivated mainly in the Chilean Araucanía region, could now help control pests.  This is due to the fact that scientists from the Center for Agroacuícola Nutritional Genomics (CGNA), in the southern city of Temuco, have developed a natural biopesticide against pests and diseases from this legume.

It is a biopesticide based on specific combinations and concentrations of lupine alkaloid molecules, that "when formulated and applied to different crops, replicates the natural effect of pest repellency," explains Haroldo Salvo-Garrido, doctor in genomics and scientific director of the CGNA.

After two years of research, it was possible to test the effect of these molecules against crop pests. These alkaloids in Lupines luteus are synthesized in the leaves and transported to other organs for storage, such as the epidermal and subepidermal tissue of leaves, stems, and mainly seeds.

Thus, “they serve the lupine as a defense against pests, microorganisms, pathogens and herbivores, showing a wide range of biological activity. They can inhibit the multiplication of viruses, the proliferation of bacteria and the growth of certain fungi”, confirmed the specialist.

"Although this investigation is soon to be concluded, the repellent properties of the lupine biopesticide against important pests have already been confirmed," added the expert.

Additional research on aphids in horticultural species and some important bacteria for exported fruit will soon be completed.

Likewise, "a semi-industrial processing technology was developed, which takes the process to a commercial scale, efficiently extracting the alkaloid molecules so as not to alter their properties," commented Dr. Salvo-Garrido.