The Tropical Fruit Forum

Tropical Fruit => Tropical Fruit Discussion => Topic started by: roblack on August 01, 2018, 11:34:59 AM

Title: Aphids Alter Plant Chemistry
Post by: roblack on August 01, 2018, 11:34:59 AM

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180731092057.htm (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180731092057.htm)

Found this interesting article about aphids changing/enhancing the sugar, organic acid, and amino acid content of plants. Got me to wondering, might some "pests" be good for our plants/fruits if kept in-check? Anyone have any experience or insight into matters like this?

Title: Re: Aphids Alter Plant Chemistry
Post by: barath on August 01, 2018, 06:27:33 PM

There's a type of tea that owes its flavor to the fact that they let leafhoppers attack the tea plant -- the defense compound the tea plant makes is what gives the special flavor:

https://specialtyteaalliance.org/world-of-tea/oriental-beauty-bug-bitten-teas/

Title: Re: Aphids Alter Plant Chemistry
Post by: gozp on August 01, 2018, 06:39:53 PM

This is highly possible. Would like to see Simon's input here.

Title: Re: Aphids Alter Plant Chemistry
Post by: roblack on August 01, 2018, 09:47:37 PM

That was a great read Barath, thank you. To think plants can summon spiders to their aid; nature is awesome.

Appreciate the positive responses, was half expecting to be ridiculed for posting this, lol.