Plants With Chemical Sensor Don't Need Pesticides To Know They're Under Attack

Researcher Ramaraja Ramasamy from University of Georgia is developing a chemical sensor to detect distress signals by plants. When plants are attacked by pests or are diseased or suffer through any other stressful condition, they release a compound called green leaf volatiles (GVL). This compound is actually a signal for plants (either of same species or of different species) or insects, depending upon the type of damage. For example, the smell of freshly cut grass is the released compound that signals the field about the attack. Similarly, in case of an attack by caterpillars, the released compound is to attract insects that prey on caterpillars.

#-Link-Snipped-#

Humans don't have the ability to see or sense these volatiles. Hence, Professor Ramasamy is working on a chemical sensor which will be capable of detecting GVL to foretell plant distress before the signs of disease or trauma appear. The sensor would be applicable in farms to reduce usage of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Instead of spraying the expensive chemicals in entire farm, the farm can be subjected to chemical sensors. Once the sensor detects distress condition in an area, it can indicate farmer to spray chemicals only in the affected locations. Additionally, the sensor can be used in food storage areas where large amount of fruits and vegetables await their distribution. The sensor would help to detect early spoilage signals of stored vegetation, which would prevent the condition from worsening. For example, a rotten apple would spoil others, but an early stage detection would allow the farmer to isolate the rotten one. Hence, all other would still be healthy to consume.

via #-Link-Snipped-# (Image : #-Link-Snipped-# )#-Link-Snipped-#