Researchers at Yale reported that a natural compound in garlic can stop mating and reduce egg-laying in several insect species. The work began with fruit flies and then moved to mosquitoes and other kinds of flies.
The team found the effect is not due to garlic's strong smell. Rather, a receptor inside the insects' small taste organs detects the garlic compound and prevents normal mating behaviour. The results are published in the journal Cell.
The researchers describe their search method as a "phytoscreen," which looks for plant chemicals that change insect behaviour. They say phytoscreen could lead to pest control strategies that are environmentally friendly, widely available and inexpensive. A Q&A with the lead researcher notes a postdoctoral researcher helped start the project and mentions a "fruit fly buffet" and a Bram Stoker remark about garlic.
The report first appeared on Futurity and says more study is needed to learn how quickly these findings could become practical tools.
Difficult words
- compound — a substance formed from two or more parts
- receptor — a cell part that detects a chemical
- detect — to notice or find something presentdetects
- mating — the act of animals pairing to make offspring
- egg-laying — the process of animals laying eggs
- phytoscreen — a search method for plant chemicals
- pest control — ways to reduce or remove harmful insects
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you try a garlic-based pest control in your garden? Why or why not?
- What are the benefits of pest control methods that are environmentally friendly and inexpensive?
- What questions would you want scientists to answer before these findings become practical tools?
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