Leisa and Peter changed a few of their metabolites to research. Their finalized research is on the following metabolites:
Peter:
Ergotamine
Alicin
Menthol
Leisa:
Coumarin
Theobromine
Caffeine
We have decided to split the remaining work. Peter and I will produce the powerpoint from our original google doc and Leisa will begin the create the paper.
In my research I was not able to find the environmental pressure that caused the creation of gingerol or turmeric. Both, however are polyphenols, which genrally are created by plants to ward off herbivore predators. Both are chemicals are found in the rhizome of the plant though, which would be difficult for many herbivores to reach. Perhaps this means that the polyphenols are produced to ward off an underground insect. I believe this is also further backed up by the current most common pests of turmeric shoot-borer caterpillar, leaf mites, lacewing bugs and the rhizome fly Calobata albimana. Have these pests adapted to gingerol? Has human cultivation of turmeric disposed of other natural pesticide metabolites? What could this mean for the future of organic pest control in horticulture practices?
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