A research team at Yale found a natural compound in garlic that blocks mating and egg-laying in insects. The tests began with fruit flies and later included mosquitoes and several kinds of flies.
The researchers showed the effect is not from garlic smell. Instead, a taste receptor inside the insects' small taste organs responds to the garlic compound and prevents normal mating behavior.
The team uses a method called phytoscreen to search plants for chemicals that change insect behaviour. The authors say this could lead to eco-friendly and inexpensive pest control. A question-and-answer note mentions a postdoctoral researcher and a "fruit fly buffet."
Difficult words
- compound — A substance made of two or more parts
- mating — The act of animals joining to reproduce
- egg-laying — Putting eggs out of an animal's body
- receptor — A body part or molecule that senses chemicals
- phytoscreen — A plant-based method to find active chemicals
- eco-friendly — Good for the environment; not harmful to nature
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you use an eco-friendly method to control pests at home? Why or why not?
- Do you think plant-based pest control is better than chemical pesticides? Explain briefly.
- Have you ever seen many fruit flies (a "fruit fly buffet")? Describe what happened.
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