Biological control of weeds via their own aromas
Thursday, April 21, 2016 - 08:30
in Biology & Nature
Plant experts in the Netherlands can still become enthusiastic about a special variety of broomrape. Farmers in southern countries, however, are less impressed because broomrape and its 'sister' striga are considered a harmful weed in these regions. Research in the Laboratory of Plant Physiology of Wageningen University shows how useful insects that can control this weed may lend a helping hand in the future, namely via the plant's own aromatic substances. "You can also use a mixture of aromatic substances to distinguish various varieties of parasitic plants," says Harro Bouwmeester, professor in plant physiology.