"Rose ether oil: a new effective protection against pests for tomatoes - a discovery by scientists from the University of Tokyo."

In the scientific community, studies have shown that the volatile organic compounds of rose essential oil have repellent properties for insects and can cause them neurotoxic damage. The Tokyo University of Science (TUS) reports on the project and its results.

Currently, chemical pesticides are the preferred method for protecting agricultural crops, but strict regulatory measures and tendencies towards biologization are stimulating the search for natural alternative means.

Rich in terpenoids, essential oils of plants have attracted the attention of biopesticide developers as they can regulate plant defense reactions by controlling the expression of defense genes.

Essential oils are attractive as environmentally friendly plant protection activators due to their availability and effectiveness.

Scientists from the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) conducted a study evaluating the effectiveness of 11 different volatile organic compounds from terpenoid-rich essential oils in activating defense reactions in tomatoes. They applied diluted ethanol solutions of these compounds to potted tomatoes and studied gene expression in leaf tissue. The results showed that rose essential oil increases the levels of transcripts of PIR1 and PIN2 genes, responsible for plant protection.

Tomato plants treated with rose essential oil (REO) in laboratory conditions had fewer leaf damages from the Asian cotton bollworm (Spodoptera litura) and the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). In the field experiment, damages to tomatoes by these pests were reduced by 45.5% compared to the control group.

These results indicate that rose bioinsecticide/acaricide can be a viable alternative to pesticides in winter and spring seasons when pest infestation levels are lower, and can reduce the use of agrochemicals by up to 50% in the summer.

Professor Arimura explains: "Rose essential oil (REO) contains β-citronellol, a recognized insect repellent. In addition, this oil attracts the predator of the two-spotted spider mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis, performing a dual function."

The researchers emphasize the safety of this bioinsecticide, as it does not cause phytotoxicity and leaves no toxic residues.

Professor Arimura concludes: "Our study offers a practical approach to the development of organic tomato production, which promotes environmentally friendly and sustainable methods. New perspectives are opening up for organic farming systems. The era of powerful, environmentally friendly, and natural pesticides is gradually approaching."