Chinese scientists have made a significant advancement in understanding how insects perceive their environment through their sense of smell. This pioneering research sheds light on the olfactory mechanisms that govern insect behavior, providing crucial insights for the development of green pesticides that are both safe and effective.
Led by Wang Guirong from the Agricultural Genomics Institute in Shenzhen under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), the research team collaborated with experts from Huazhong Agricultural University and the Institute of Plant Protection at CAAS. Their findings were recently published in the esteemed academic journal Science.
Wang explains that insects rely on their highly sensitive olfactory systems to detect semiochemicals—chemicals released by organisms that trigger specific responses. Central to this process are odorant receptors, which convert external chemical signals into bioelectrical signals, thereby guiding the insects' behavioral reactions.
One of the key discoveries involves alarm pheromones in aphids. The team found that when aphids are threatened by natural predators or other dangers, they release alarm pheromones from abdominal tubes. These chemical signals alert neighboring aphids, prompting them to flee the area quickly. Understanding this mechanism opens up new possibilities for creating pesticides that disrupt these signals, effectively controlling pest populations without harming the environment.
This research not only advances our knowledge of insect biology but also paves the way for sustainable agricultural practices. By developing environmentally friendly pesticides, farmers can protect their crops while minimizing the impact on beneficial insects and reducing chemical residues in the ecosystem.
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Study on insect olfactory mechanism helps green pesticides development
cgtn.com
