Innovation Pipeline

You’ve probably never heard of terpenes but you sure have smelled them. They’re the aroma in many spices like mint and basil. And scientists who study the plant-made molecules have found other nice traits: they repel pests, protect plants from diseases and attract pollinators.
So what do they have to do with cleantech? Plenty.
In an effort to get away from synthetic pesticides, scientists have been working with a host of natural compounds and organisms called biopesticides that control agricultural pests and don’t have adverse health effects on people.
Researchers at Michigan State University studying these molecules discovered new enzymes that make monoterpenes, which could lead to widespread natural ways to ward off pests.
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