The larvae of codling moths destroy millions of dollars of fruit crops every year. Scientists have
begun treating their larvae with female pheromones, "turning the male moths gay" and preventing reproduction.
A Sainsburys spokesman told the Daily Express: "Codling moths have the ability to devastate entire crops if left uncontrolled. The new technique means males are attracted to males, disrupting the breeding cycle and reducing dramatically the number of eggs able to produce baby moths." He added: "Pheromone is a natural substance and, unlike other chemicals, is safe to use on both conventional and organic crops." Alan Stubbs, chairman of conservation charity Buglife, said said he approved of the method. “Using a technique to protect crops that does not rely on sprays which affect other species is the safest way to control a pest,” he added.
Labels: food, science
The larvae of codling moths destroy millions of dollars of fruit crops every year. Scientists have begun treating their larvae with female pheromones, "turning the male moths gay" and preventing reproduction. 
