They discover that light can act as an insecticide
In the experiment, the team led by Masatohi Hori demonstrated for the first time that the visible light that is around the blue spectrum, is lethal for some insects such as mosquitoes (Culex pipiens f. inconvenience) or fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). The team hit each species with regulated lights at different intensities and colors. In addition, the effects of light on insects at various stages of their development (eggs, larvae, adults) were studied. The most interesting thing is that they discovered that the light waves that go from the ultraviolet (378 nanometer) to the visible blue light (508 nm) killed the bugs, while the red or yellow light caused them no harm.
More interestingly, they discovered that the wavelength did not correspond directly with the degree of lethality. Thus, for example, the fruit fly succumbed especially with light at a frequency of 467 nm; and that above or below that frequency morbidity was attenuated. Something similar happened with mosquitoes, which suffered especially with light at 417 nm. It is as if in some way, each insect is vulnerable to a specific type of light.
Those responsible for the experiment have not yet explained the phenomenon, but believe that light could kill insects a bit in imitation of the effects that ultraviolet (UV) light causes on cells. In the case of blue / violet light and its action on insects, it could be that certain wavelengths stimulate the production of a type of molecule called reactive oxygen species.
An obvious benefit of this study is that farmers will be able to use the right type of light in the future to eliminate the specific variety of pest that affects their crops, without causing damage to other beneficial insects such as ladybugs or bees in the process. . And all this without contaminating the earth or vegetables with chemical pesticides.
Source: Spanish.peopledaily.com.cn
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