Australian scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the battle against invasive snail species. A recent study conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has found that these pesky snails are not only attracted to the color red but are also repelled by garlic and, to a lesser extent, coffee.
The research, published on Wednesday, offers fresh insights that could revolutionize how farmers protect their crops from these destructive pests. By leveraging these natural repellents and attractants, the agricultural sector can develop more sustainable and eco-friendly pest control strategies.
Valerie Caron, a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO, expressed her surprise at the snails' attraction to red. \"The general scientific consensus is that gastropods cannot see color, so this finding challenges our existing understanding and opens new avenues for research,\" Caron explained.
Throughout the study, the research team conducted both laboratory and field tests on four species of invasive snails. The results consistently showed a preference for red, while garlic and coffee acted as effective deterrents. These findings could significantly reduce the threat these snails pose to vital crops, ensuring better yields and supporting global food security.
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Study finds invasive snails attracted to red, repelled by garlic
cgtn.com
