A scientist from Crimea deciphered the structure of pheromone pest of Bamboo — it is important for the whole world

Krympress reports:

Head of the Department of Biochemistry of the Crimean Federal University. V.I. Vernadsky, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Konstantin Efetov deciphered the structure of pheromone of one of the species of insects — butterflies of the Patrynish family (Zygaenidae) — a dangerous invasive pest that threatens bamboo plantations around the world.

I opened this biological species and described in 1997 and called it «Pestryanka Martin«(Artona Martini). It turned out to be a serious bamboo pest, which is not only a decorative plant, but is increasingly used for the manufacture of furniture, textile fibers, as well as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The pest was originally met only in Asia, but then he ended up in New Zealand, micronzia, and recently he was accidentally brought to Europe, where he formed a stable population. In the coming years, he may appear in the Crimea. And now we solved an important scientific task — we found out how the molecule of pheromone in this group of insects is arranged. This will develop environmentally friendly bamboo protection methods and reduce dependence on chemical treatments— noted Efetov.

The study of pheromone by gas chromatography and antennography made it possible to find out that the molecule consists of ramified alcohol and polyunsaturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms, however, to clarify the isomerism and the location of double bonds, it was necessary to conduct research on the abilities of the biological species of this insect group. In Russia, they are found on Sakhalin, therefore it was there that Konstantin Efetov conducted field research in July, which allowed to accurately determine the structure of the molecule of the pheromone.

Now Feromon Martin’s motley You can artificially synthesize, which will allow you to deal with this type of pest safe for people’s health in ways.

Biological protection methods — the path to environmentally friendly agriculture. This is especially true for Crimea, where the use of pesticides causes serious environmental problems— the scientist emphasized.

The opening of the Crimean professor is of international importance, offering an alternative to the use of pesticides to protect plants. The introduction of this development will help minimize the detrimental impact on the environment.

Source: KFU press service

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