Help UR iGEM develop a Safer, More Sustainable Pesticide Spray!

About:

There’s no denying that pesticide overuse has become a growing agricultural and environmental concern. Across the United States, nearly 460 million acres of land are treated with synthetic agricultural chemicals, while less than 1% is farmed organically. The repeated and widespread use of pesticides accelerates the evolution of resistance in pest populations, making these chemicals less effective over time and often necessitating higher doses or entirely new formulations. Beyond resistance, excessive pesticide exposure can also damage surrounding ecosystems and contribute to environmental harm. This urgent reality raises an important question: how can we protect crops more sustainably?

Meet Project Verdant: A team of 14 dedicated student researchers proudly representing the University of Rochester at the 2026 International Genetically Engineered Machine (IGEM) competition in Paris this November. Our project aims to genetically engineer E. coli to detect volatile organic compounds released by stressed plants, specifically methyl salicylate (MeSA), a natural plant stress signal. In response, the bacteria will convert MeSA into salicylic acid (SA), triggering the controlled production of a natural pesticide only when needed.

Unlike conventional pesticides that are continuously sprayed across crops regardless of immediate need, Project Verdant focuses on non-constitutive pesticide production, meaning the system activates only in response to plant stress signals. By reducing unnecessary pesticide exposure, we hope to slow the development of pesticide resistance while minimizing environmental impact.

Whether sustainable agriculture or environmental innovation is what excites you, help launch our project to its fullest potential by donating today!

How your donation helps:

• $50 - Buys a tent for outreach events (outdoors)
• $125 - Small-Sized DNA purification kit
• $550 - Full-Sized DNA purification kit
• $700 - Covers flight reimbursement for one team members to attend the competition
• $1400 - Covers flight reimbursement for two team members to attend the competition

Our project:

Our team is working to genetically engineer bacteria to produce a natural pesticide only in response to plant stress signals. Using E. coli as an initial chassis organism, we aim to develop a system to detect volatile organic compounds emitted by stressed plants, specifically methyl salicylate (MeSA), a signaling molecule associated with plant defense responses. Once detected, the bacteria will convert MeSA into salicylic acid (SA), which will activate the production of a natural pesticide.

Compared to conventional pesticide application, which often involves continuous spraying across millions of acres of farmland, our system is designed to produce pesticides only when and where they are needed. This approach could help reduce unnecessary chemical exposure, slow the development of pesticide resistance in pest populations, and lessen environmental harm caused by excessive pesticide use. Ultimately, our goal is to develop a more sustainable, environmentally conscious method of crop protection that responds dynamically to plant stress in real time.