Chinese scientists at the Institute of Zoology under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences have provided a new idea for the prevention and control of locust plagues by using genetic modification technology, Sichuan Daily reported on Sept. 8.

Locust plagues are usually caused by swarm mentality and their ability to fly for a long time. Two genes related to sense of smell in their heads make them respond to chemical signals released by others and help them decide whether to move or not. The genes are influenced by dopamine.

Chinese scientists have put forward the idea to alter the gene sequence related to dopamine and the sense of smell in locusts so that they cannot respond to the messages, thus preventing large-scale threats to crops.

This breakthrough thinking has become a new thought for the pest control world.