Research Update: Exploring Fertilization Impact on Cabbage Pest Interactions in Rennes, France

I am excited to share insights from my research in Rennes, France, focused on the interaction between cabbage crops and their primary pest, *Plutella xylostella*, commonly known as the cabbage moth.

**Research Focus:**
Cabbage crops, vital for global agriculture, face significant challenges due to the cabbage moth larvae, which can cause up to 90% loss by defoliation. Traditionally, chemical insecticides were employed to manage this pest, but their limitations have prompted a shift towards exploring alternative pest management strategies.

**Project Goals:**
1. **Fertilization Impact:** This study investigates how different fertilization practices affect plant quality and their subsequent interactions with *P. xylostella*. Four fertilization methods were tested: chemical fertilization, organic amendments, application of exogenous microorganisms, and green manures in inter-cultures.
2. **Metabolite Analysis:** We analyzed secondary metabolites (sugars, flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, and glucosinolates) in both the aerial and underground parts of infested and non-infested cabbage plants. UPLC-MS was used to determine and quantify these metabolites.
3. **Findings:** Our results reveal significant differences in secondary metabolites between healthy and infested leaves, but not in the roots. This suggests that aerial metabolites may serve as cues for pests, providing information about the plant's ecology.

**Collaborations:**
This research is carried out in collaboration with Prof. Anne-Marie Cortesero and Maxime Hervé at INRAE & the University of Rennes.

Our goal is to develop sustainable pest management strategies and enhance our understanding of plant-pest interactions.