Although pest control is important for agriculture, it can also create environmental problems. Micro-needles can offer a way to apply pesticides and nutrients more precisely. 

In an article published in Nature Nanotechnology, researchers from the US and Singapore revealed an innovative method for delivering nutrients and pesticides directly to plants via micro-needles. The image shows a tomato stem being injected with a hollow micro-needle made from silk proteins. In this case, iron has been administered to the plant. In tomato plants, iron deficiency can lead to chlorosis, which reduces yield.