Insects, as well as plants and several species of animals, communicate with the world and with each other through biocommunication. It occurs most often through odor, sight, touch or hearing. Thanks to biocommunication, insects are able to locate host plants, choose places to lay their eggs, identify their prey and recognize their sexual partners.
The intelligent use of biocommunication allows the behavioral control of insects, making it possible to prevent them from becoming pests for agricultural cultivation. Because they are substances that are already in nature, they are safe and have low impact. They can be used for an exclusive purpose, acting on one species without harming the others. Biocommunicators also have the advantage of triggering an immediate and intense reaction. Small amounts are enough to control large populations in a field.
HOW THEY WORK
Insect antennae carry sensory structures called sensilla. They are the ones who capture the smells present in the environment. The sensilla of each species react only to the smells important for the life of that species, ignoring the others. As an example, we have pheromones that are used by female moths to indicate to males that they are available for copulation.
This biocommunication is essential for the survival of insects and plants, and thanks to the scientific knowledge already acquired, it is possible to use it to control insect populations and protect crops.