Scientists turn moths gay to save crops

[ccharles000]

Scientists have found a way to save millions of pounds worth of crops every year – turning the moths which eat them gay.

Codling Moths lay their larvae on apple and pear trees and the worms can ruin entire harvests by tunnelling through the fruit.

Previously, the only way to prevent them killing crops was spraying fruit with pesticides, which had the effect of killing other harmless insects and disrupting the food chain.

Instead, scientists at Sainsburys have discovered a method to coat the larvae with female pheromones, which are usually used by females to attract males.

The method means that males are attracted to other males and females remain unfertilised, preventing reproduction.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/04/13/scientists-turn-moths-gay-to-save-crops/

[arcane1]

1. Though this is quite cool, I'm not sure I'd call that "gay"

since the male moths think they are going after females. It's more like dressing the male moths in drag and making them appear female :)

[Motown_Johnny]

7. or like getting them to drunk to know the difference

[customerserviceguy]

2. But, but, but

you can't turn them gay, they have to be born, er, hatched that way!

[David Tea]

3. Genius but this is going to bite back...

Very smart, pesticides cause damage in the environment and has a very negative long-term effect on humans, but won't this screw up the food chain because there will be an extremely diminished moth population?

[DCKit]

4. We screwed up the environment when we switched to monoculture farming.

And welcome to DU.

[Recursion]

5. As a result, next fall's line of cocoons will be decorated fabulously

I know, I'm going to hell...

[SmileyRose]

6. You and me both

ya beat me to it........

:dunce:

[ccharles000]

8. lol

[BlooInBloo]

9. win.

:rofl:

[undeterred]

10. So now scientists are actively promoting the gay agenda.

Moths today, humans tomorrow.

[Ferret Annica]

11. They aren't gay; they are as cross odered,

the moth version of cross dressing.

[IDemo]

12. This means moth marriage will cease to be a respected institution