This Odor Is How Plants Communicate A When Feeling Under Threat
by N/A, 10 years ago |
1 min read
Plants have developed an interesting ability.Â
Plants can emit a specific odor when they are damaged by pest insects.
Predators to those specific pests are attracted to this odor and and can remove them from the plant.
This works as a mutually beneficial relationship for both the plants and animals.
According to Martin Heil of CINVESTAV-Irapuato, Mexico, that is why we can smell it when neighbors are mowing their lawns.
These plants use something called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in order to attract these predators.
Most plants, with the exception of most major crops, can do this. However, this ability has been bred out of most crops and scientists are hoping to bring it back.
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