Chemical ecology

The chemical ecology explores the role of chemical signals in the interactions of organisms. This results in, among other findings to develop new methods of biological pest control.

Notes

Chemical interactions are a basis of bio-communication between cells within an organism. Likewise, chemical communication plays a role in the transfer of information between different individuals of a species ( intraspecific ) and between different species ( interspecific) within a biocenosis. The chemical ecology investigates the function and effect of such signals in the design of species-specific gender relations in inter-specific interactions of different species as well as in the predator-prey relationship. The aim is to gain insight into the occurrence and function of chemical signals as well as their importance within an ecosystem.

Many organisms, especially insects, but plants also communicate using chemical substances. Based on the knowledge of biocommunication of eligible types of technical procedures for pest control are developed. A research institution with this research focus is the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena.

Example: When a plant is attacked by a feeding pest, the plant gives off scents that attract natural enemies of the pest. The enemies destroy the pests, but on the other hand many plants from poisons that are not tolerated by the pests. About the same fragrances neighboring plants vines or plants are warned of the pests. These in turn activate their defensive substances. The communication structures are extremely complex and the research is only at the beginning of understanding.

Crops have these skills often largely lost if they have not been grown on these features out. Through genetic engineering plans you make, the knowledge gained and use to develop targeted perfume strategies for pest control.

Terms

• The substances used in the signal exchange between organisms are called semiochemicals or Ektohormone, these include:
• Pheromones are used for communication within a species can be attractive or repulsive.
• Allomones (Greek allos = foreign) bring the transmitter advantages in interspecies communication.
• Kairomones (Greek kairos = useful ) offer, however, the recipient benefits.
• Synomone offer both, ie both the sender and recipient benefits.