Australian Tarantula Contains Novel Insecticide Against Agricultural Insect Pests
September 18, 2013| |
Researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) have found a natural component of the Australian tarantula venom that is more potent against certain insect pests than existing chemical insecticides. Professor Glenn King and Dr. Maggie Hardy from UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience identified a toxin known as OAIP-1, that is lethal if eaten by the cotton bollworm or termites.
"There is an urgent need for new insecticides due to insects becoming resistant to existing products and others being deregistered due to perceived ecological and human health risks," Professor King said. He added that OAIP-1 could be developed into an environmentally friendly insecticide.
For more details, read the UQ news release available at: http://www.uq.edu.au/news/index.html?article=26690
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