To confirm the finding, they used CRISPR editing to genetically modify locusts so that they no longer produced PAN, making them more vulnerable to cannibalism.
For further confirmation, they tested the olfactory receptors of dozens of locusts, eventually landing on one that was very sensitive to PAN.
When those gene edited locusts no longer produce this receptor, the modified locusts become more cannibalistic.
Writing in a related commentary in Science, researchers Ian Cousin and Einat Cousin-Fuchs said the discovery helped shed light on the “complex balance” between the mechanisms that cause migratory locusts to group together versus against each other. compete.
Future methods of locust control may therefore use techniques that tip the delicate balance toward greater competition, but Hanson cautions: “You don’t want to eradicate the species.”
“If we can reduce the herd size, move them to areas where we are not growing our crops, a lot can be achieved,” he said.