Scientists have revealed the ‘evolutionary trick’ that makes the Diamondback moth such an expensive agricultural pest.
The genetic adaption that allows the caterpillars to manage defence compounds produced by cabbages is used by the adult moth to detoxify insecticides.
The moth causes major problems in the Australian canola industry and costs farmers $4-5 billion each year in crop loss and control measures worldwide.
Read more at Charles Sturt University, University of Adelaide