Chemical protectors
a new research could offer vital clues in combating attacks by herbivorous insects. According to a research done by chemical ecologists at the New York-based Cornell University, the chemical compounds of flowers not only guide pollinating insects but also prevent herbivorous insects from eating the reproductive parts of plants. According to the researchers, even before a flower bud opens, the compounds called dips (dearomatized isoprenylated phloroglucinols), protect the plants' reproductive system by killing or deterring herbivorous insects (www.newswise.com, November 18, 2001). "Now that we know where to look, anti-feedant chemicals like dips undoubtedly will offer clues to more natural insect control agents,' said Thomas Eisner, Cornell's Schurman professor of chemical ecology.
The finding follows 30-year-old studies by Thomas Eisner and by Maria Eisner, a senior research associate at the university's department of neurobiology and behaviour. Both studied the floral