Trophobiosis, a theory developed by the French biologist Francis Chaboussou in the 60s, this theory proposes a radically different approach to the understanding and management of pests and diseases in agriculture. In contrast to the conventional paradigm based on the use of chemical pesticides, trophobiosis suggests that plant health is the key to preventing infestations and promoting sustainable agriculture. This theory has gained adherents among certain farmers and scientists who are looking for alternatives to the conventional agricultural model based on pesticides. However, it has also received criticism from some sectors that consider it a simplistic theory and not applicable to all agricultural situations.
It is important to emphasize that trophobiosis is not a magic recipe to eliminate all pests and diseases from crops, however, it offers a valuable conceptual framework to understand the interactions between plants, insects and pathogens, and to develop more sustainable and effective pest management strategies. Continuous research and the practical application of the principles of trophobiosis can contribute to a healthier, more productive and environmentally friendly agriculture.
The pillars on which trophobiosis is based, first of all, is based on balanced plant nutrition since, it maintains that plants with balanced nutrition are naturally resistant to pests and diseases, when plants receive an excess of nitrogen and other nutrients, especially free amino acids, they become more susceptible to attacks by insects, fungi and pathogens. It is also mentioned that the accumulation of nutrient-rich sap of plants attracts insects and other organisms that seek to feed, trophobiosis proposes that healthy plants have efficient mechanisms to transport and store nutrients, preventing the accumulation of sap in plant tissues, which reduces the attraction of pests. Similarly, it is indicated that plants have a natural defense system that includes physical barriers, chemical compounds and immune response mechanisms, however, when plants are in a state of nutritional stress, these defenses weaken, making them more vulnerable to pathogens.
From the aforementioned, it can be said that trophobiosis offers an alternative framework for pest and disease management in agriculture, with a focus on promoting plant health instead of external pest control.Some of the practical implications of this theory include reducing the use of pesticides, since, by promoting balanced plant nutrition, the need for agrochemicals can be significantly reduced, protecting the environment and human health.
On the other hand, socializing and promoting this type of theories strengthens sustainable agriculture because sustainable agricultural practices are promoted that improve soil health, biodiversity and the resilience of agricultural ecosystems, by implementing this type of productive culture crop plants should have a higher nutritional quality and a lower amount of synthetic product residues.
Dear readers, the theory of trophobiosis has been the subject of scientific research for a long time, with results supporting its fundamental principles, a large number of studies have shown that plants with balanced nutrition are less susceptible to pests and diseases, and that excess nitrogen and other nutrients can increase susceptibility.
So finally we can say that trophobiosis is presented as an alternative paradigm for agriculture, offering a sustainable approach to pest and disease management, by promoting plant health through agronomic agricultural practices, we can reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and grow more nutritious and safe food. More research can continue to be sought to fully understand the mechanisms of trophobiosis, its potential to transform agriculture and protect the environment.
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| Bibliographic references |
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- Altieri, M. (2001). Agricultural Biotechnology: Myths, Environmental Risks and Alternative. University of California, Berkeley
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