Scientists have discovered a new method to protect corn from the rootworm, which causes billions of dollars in crop losses annually.[1] The researchers tested a strategy called induced systemic resistance, in which corn seeds are inoculated with bacteria called pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophic bacteria, specifically the TS201 strain.[1] These microbes prime corn plants to defend themselves and deter rootworms from their roots.[1] Laboratory tests have shown that rootworm larvae avoid the roots of corn grown with TS201.[1] Corn plants exposed to TS201 activate genes that produce a chemical called methyl anthranilate, which accumulates in and is released from the roots.[1] This method represents a life-saving and environmentally friendly alternative to toxic synthetic pesticides.[1] The researchers found that the protection came from a single bacterial strain, an exception to the rule that plants usually benefit from communities of multiple beneficial microbes.[1]