COLLEGE STATION, Texas, US — Agricultural Research Service (ARS) 科学家们 南部平原农业研究中心 正在研究蚜虫的生物化学，目的是开发一种害虫的生物防治剂。蚜虫已显示出对通常用于对抗它的农用化学品产生一定杀虫剂抗性的迹象，因此需要替代作物保护方法。
The project works with neuropeptides — chemical signals that control and regulate a wide range of bodily functions, such as digestion, respiration, water intake and excretions. When the neuropeptide is broken down by the body’s enzymes, the effect triggered by the chemical signal is turned off. The neuropeptide mimics, or analogues, the research team is developing have slightly altered molecular structures that will not break down when attacked by enzymes. The goal is to kill the pest by disrupting its biological functions.
在最近发表在该杂志上的一项研究中 胜肽, scientists working on the project found that one formulation killed 90% to 100% of aphids in their test sample within three days, at a rate and potency comparable to insecticides now on the market. While the neuropeptide analogues are currently being tested and evaluated, the researchers say that the molecular structures of the insect kinins (the class of neuropeptides being studied) are so unique that a biocontrol agent formulated from them is unlikely to have any effect on humans, plants or other types of organisms.