New Tool opens a bigger window to insect-plant warfare

摘要

When an aphid, leaf hopper, or psyllid lands on a plant to feed, it begins a process of chemical warfare. As piercing-sucking insects, they use needlelike stylets to insert saliva into plant tissues and open a pathway to ingest fluids critical to theplant's survival. When punctured, the plant senses the attack and secretes proteins and other chemical defenses to prevent fluids from being pulled out, thus creating a stress on the plant. This warfare costs growers billions of dollars each year in lostornamentals, vegetables, citrus, and other important agricultural crops.