August 13, 2020

Researchers identify pheromone that may prevent locust swarms from devouring crops

Researchers have discovered a pheromone released by locusts that causes the insects to swarm, which could lead to new measures to prevent them from devouring crops in the future, Reuters reported.

The pheromone, a chemical produced that can affect the behaviour of others in its species, was identified from the migratory locust (Locustamigratoria) the most widespread locust species in the world.

The researchers said the pheromone, dubbed 4-vinylanisole (4VA), is released from the locust's hind legs and detected through the antennae of other locusts.

According to the study published in the journal Nature, 4VA can attract locusts of all ages and sexes. The chemical is produced when four to five locusts' band together to create swarming behaviour.
 

Le Kang, Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Zoologyprofessor of entomology and ecology and leader of the research, said locust plagues have caused agricultural and economic losses globally, with the migratory locust a danger to agriculture around the world.

Migratory locust swarms are hundreds of km wide with billions of the insect, consuming crops and affecting food security in Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It largely consumes corn, wheat, rice, millet, oats, barley, sorghum and sugarcane.

Further research will be conducted to find out if 4VA is present in other locust species, such as the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) based in the Middle East in Africa.

There are concerns that current insecticides deployed to subdue locust outbreaks may have adverse effects on human health and safety. The discovery of 4VA could lead to new measures to prevent future outbreaks safely.

Kang said a chemical blocking 4VA effects could be developed, or a synthetic alternative used to trap locusts. Kang added that genetically modified locusts could be developed that do not respond to 4VA, subject to biosecurity assessments.

-      Reuters