4. Corn (Maize)

When corn plants are attacked by insects, they release special chemicals called green leaf volatiles (GLVs).
These airborne signals not only attract helpful parasitoid wasps—natural enemies of the pests—but also alert neighboring corn plants to danger.
Primed by these cues, nearby corn can strengthen its own defenses before being targeted.
This sophisticated communication has become a cornerstone in agricultural research, offering new strategies for natural pest control in crop fields.
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