Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How do insects find plants?
Dr. Painter explained in 1951 that insects respond to plant odors, color and light intensity, surface structure, and taste.
In part 2 of this series, AEA's Shelley Katz CCA dives into odors (properly known as VOCs), describing studies showing that management practices, like over-fertilization of nitrogen, affect the VOC blend, and thus a plant's attractiveness to insects.
Follow along for more like this!
How do insects find plants?
Dr. Painter explained in 1951 that insects respond to plant odors, color and light intensity, surface structure, and taste.
In part 2 of this series, AEA's Shelley Katz CCA dives into odors (properly known as VOCs), describing studies showing that management practices, like over-fertilization of nitrogen, affect the VOC blend, and thus a plant's attractiveness to insects.
Follow along for more like this!
