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Putting smells into context: Using in vivo technologies to understand plant-insect odour signalling. (2009–2011)

Abstract:
Odour recognition is central to the evolutionary success of herbivorous insects. Odours emitted by plants are complex chemical mixtures. To date, the role of individual chemical components, in forming an odour signal to an insect, has been difficult to disentangle. We remove this constraint by using tobacco plants, genetically modified to alter specific components of odour emissions. We use this model system to investigate key questions in olfactory research: How do genetic changes affect phenotypic odour expression, and which components of an odour are important in plant recognition? We explore the potential for controlling insect pests by manipulating plant-insect signalling.
Grant type:
ARC Discovery Projects
Researchers:

  • Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki

    Emeritus Professor
    School of the Environment
    Faculty of Science
    Emeritus Professor
    School of the Environment
    Faculty of Science

  • Professor Jimmy Botella

    Professor
    School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
    Faculty of Science
    Professor
    School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
    Faculty of Science
    Affiliate of Centre for Crop Scienc
    Centre for Crop Science
    Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation

  • Professor James De Voss

    Head of School
    Faculty of Science
    Head of School of Chemistry and Mol
    School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
    Faculty of Science
Funded by:
Australian Research Council