Ants may be pesky nuisances in the kitchen, but a new study indicates that the insects may be your allies in keeping your outdoor plants healthy and free of diseases.
The new research, conducted by Danish scientists, revealed that ants produce antibiotics that prevent the growth of at least 14 plant diseases. The tiny insects carry colonies of bacteria on their legs and bodies that secrete these antibiotics, allowing them to inhibit a number of diseases that have long been considered resistant to common treatments.
So, how do these tiny insects have such a strong botanical power? Consider their cramped quarters. Ants live closely together in their anthills, leaving them highly exposed to the spread of infections. Luckily, due to their self-producing antibiotics, the ants are able to keep their homes hygienic and thus protect themselves from contaminations.
Though the authors have a long way to go in better understanding these fascinating findings, they believe that their research could lead to breakthrough treatments for use by farmers, gardeners, and other agricultural workers.
