CFAES plant pathology researchers Peg Redinbaugh and Guo-Liang Wang lead the Insect Allies- Team Maize Hopper.
The project, a collaboration with other scientists nationwide, will alter the DNA of aphids, leafhoppers and other bugs to prescribe and apply immunities to crops as an emergency response.
If a farmer learns that the growing season will be plagued by droughts after non-drought-resistant seeds have been planted, this new technology would give more flexibility for saving their crops.