Plants Under Attack

Reported September 2007

Gainesville, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Posies and plants may look peaceful, but flowers and veggies are waging war on their enemies.

"They're actually doing a lot more than me and you are because they're static, because they can't run and hide when something is attacking them." Eric Schmelz, Ph.D., plant physiologist with the USDA, says.

He says the best way to protect our crops is to figure out how they protect themselves.

"What we're studying is how plants are using these chemicals to help to defend themselves," Schmelz says.

These chemicals call to other bugs for help. Plants can't feel a caterpillar munching on it, but it recognizes the chemicals from the digestive juices from the caterpillar's mouth. Sensing something is wrong, the plant releases odors to attract other bugs to get rid of the problem.

"A tiny bite from a very small caterpillar will start this process going," Schmelz explains.

Researchers hope to learn more about the chemical process plants use to protect themselves. This information may help lower the use of pesticides.

"If we can have a plant that is producing a stronger defensive reaction once it's chewed on, that pest may no longer be a problem. We might not need pesticides," Schmelz says.

Not only can bugs detect the odors plants emit for protection, but many farmers notice when army worms are in their cornfield. They smell very sweet. And plants react to each attack differently, emitting different odors to attract different bugs to help defend them.

Click here to Go Inside This Science or contact:

Eric A. Schmelz, PhD
Gainesville, FL
(352) 374-5858
Eric.Schmelz@ars.usda.gov

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