Based on their findings, North Carolina State University researchers said the Plant Armor could provide a more effective alternative for insect protection—one that is chemical-free.

"We found it's possible to use this new technology to protect against insects we didn't think we could protect against," said the study's first author Grayson Cave, a doctoral candidate at NCSU. "We've shown we can use a mechanical barrier that will protect against tobacco thrips and possibly other insects, allowing the plant to grow and thrive underneath."