Scientist from Crimea, head of the Department of Biochemistry of the Crimean Federal University. V.I. Vernadsky, Professor Konstantin Efetov, unraveled how the smell is arranged, which the butterflies are used to attract each other. This smell can be dangerous for bamboo plantations around the world. This was reported in the press service of the Crimean Federal University named after V.I. Vernadsky.
The butterfly in question is called Artona Martini “Martin Patryanka”. Efetov personally opened and described this butterfly relating to the family of a variegated. Previously, she lived only in Asia, but then spread to the islands of the Pacific Ocean and to New Zealand. Recently, it was accidentally brought to Europe, and there it has already taken root.
The bamboo that this butterfly attacks is important not only as a beautiful plant, but also for the manufacture of furniture, tissues, cosmetics and drugs. The pheromone of this butterfly is toxic for bamboo.
Professor Efetov found out how the molecule of pheromone is arranged, which the butterflies are used to attract males. Now, knowing the structure of this pheromone, scientists can create safe ways to protect bamboo from pests. This will help reduce the use of chemicals to protect plants. The scientist also noted that such methods will help to make agriculture more clean and safe for the environment.
To study pheromone, scientists used special devices that can analyze smells. The pheromone molecule consists of two parts: alcohol and fatty acid. Now scientists can artificially create this smell to fight pests without harm to people.
