The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is one of the most destructive crop pests. It is resistant to pesticides, and costs about $1 billion per year to control.
A UQ team has identified the genes expressed when the diamondback moth is attacked by a parasitic wasp, which could have significant implications for controlling the pest. The researchers have made the first-ever comprehensive analysis of the impact of a parasitoid wasp on its host.
The genes identified may be targets that allow for the control and manipulation of host-parasite interactions.
Read more at The University of Queensland