A predator smaller than a grain of rice found in Chile's desert could help farms worldwide fight pests without chemical pesticides
Scientists in Chile's arid Atacama Desert have discovered a naturally occurring predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis, thriving in extreme conditions. This robust strain, unlike its delicate counterparts, hunts destructive spider mites and offers a promising, eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for dry farming regions worldwide. The find could revolutionise sustainable agriculture by enabling localised breeding programs for pest control.
Scientists in Chile's arid Atacama Desert have discovered a naturally occurring predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis, thriving in extreme conditions. This robust strain, unlike its delicate counterparts, hunts destructive spider mites and offers a promising, eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for dry farming regions worldwide. The find could revolutionise sustainable agriculture by enabling localised breeding programs for pest control.
