Earth Day 2025: Bar-Ilan University professor developing environmentally-friendly pesticides to combat crop diseases

As Earth Day is marked on April 22, a collaborative effort between Israeli researchers is driving the development of environmentally-friendly pesticides that promise to reduce the harmful impact of traditional chemical alternatives. The ongoing research is focused on combating plant pathogens, particularly those responsible for widespread crop diseases, through innovative, sustainable approaches.

At the heart of the research is a combination of cutting-edge computational modeling and experimental science. The team of Prof. Hanoch Senderowitz, from Bar-Ilan University’s Department of Chemistry and ChemLife Center for Translational Chemistry, in partnership with the team of Dr. Iris Yedidia from Israel’s Volcani Center, is using advanced molecular modeling approaches to identify potential compounds capable of targeting key proteins in plant pathogens that lead to crop diseases. These compounds inhibit pathogenic virulence without killing the microorganisms, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance and minimizing environmental harm.

A key focus of this work is disrupting bacterial quorum sensing (QS), a communication mechanism that allows bacteria to coordinate attacks on plants. By targeting this communication, Prof. Senderowitz and his research partners aim to prevent virulent bacterial attacks without relying on harmful chemicals and reduce the harmful effects of disease without the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant strains.

“We are optimistic that the compounds we are developing could soon be ready for commercial use,” said Prof. Senderowitz. “Our goal is to have a viable, sustainable alternative to traditional pesticides that will not only protect crops but also contribute to the overall health of our ecosystems.”

This project has received funding from several agencies including the United States-Israel Binational Agriculture Research and Development (BARD) Foundation, the Ministry of Agriculture, the venture Agrifood fund COPIA, and the Israel Innovation Authority and resulted in the publication of numerous manuscripts in peer reviewed journals.