Maize plants’ insect resistance can be improved by clustering them together

• Maize (Zea mays) was domesticated from teosinte in Mesoamerica over 9,000 years ago and has evolved into a major global crop.

• It is crucial not only for food but also as animal feed, biofuel, and industrial raw material, but is vulnerable to pests and climate change, risking up to a 24% productivity drop by the late 21st century.

• Researchers at Zhejiang University discovered that linalool, a compound released by maize, serves as a communication signal to boost resilience against pests by alerting neighboring plants.

• In densely planted maize fields, plants released more linalool and exhibited reduced insect damage, indicating a trade-off between plant protection and growth.

• The study identified a mechanism where linalool activates jasmonate signaling, enhancing defense responses and enriching beneficial soil bacteria which prepare neighboring plants for threats.

• The plants exhibited a broad-spectrum response to various pests and pathogens, confirming the effectiveness of the linalool-triggered defense mechanism.

• Techniques such as using reporter genes can help identify maize varieties responsive to linalool, aiding in breeding practices to enhance crop resilience.

• Strategies to manipulate linalool signaling could support farmers in optimizing plant growth and defense against pests while reducing chemical inputs in agriculture.

Maize Insect Resistance is important topic for Civil service exam (WBCS).

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