TIL The Smell of Fresh Cut Grass Is Actually a Distress Signal

As the title says, this is something cool I learnt today.

I don't know about you, but I find the smell of freshly trimmed grass quite pleasant. But it turns out that this refreshing odor is actually the screams of impeding doom felt by our little green friends 😆

This smell is the result of various chemicals released in the air, with the ones mostly responsible for the distinctive smell known as Green Leaf Volatiles (GLV’s).

GVL’s are mixture of oxygenated hydrocarbons, including methanol, acetaldehyde, ethanol, and acetone. These chemicals are produced by plants as a response to stress, such as being cut or chewed by insects. source

Now, the exact composition of GVL's differ from species to species. But what is common in most species is that under normal conditions they are produced when the plant is attacked by a herbivore bug like a caterpillar or whatever. As a sidenote, it has been found that GVl's composition often differs depending on the species of the attacker.

Anyways moving on. These GVL'S are essentially a distress signal and often attract other insects or animals that feed on the original attacker.

Here's a quick example, again from Wikipedia:

For example, corn plants that are being fed on by caterpillars will release GLVs that attract wasps, who then attack the caterpillars. GLVs also have antimicrobial properties that can prevent infection at the site of injury

As for the refreshing GVL'S aroma produced by freshly cut grass...It's a pity the lawnmower doesn't have any natural predators:)

Here's a link to wikipedia if you'd like to have a more thorough read on the subject, it's pretty neat actually!

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