| Walnut Trees Indicate Environmental Quality Via Aspirin |
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| Written by Erika Fredrickson | |
| Thursday, 25 September 2008 | |
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Walnut trees never get hung over. Why? Is it because A) they're not fond enough of Teuqila, or B) they produce their own aspirin? Well, it's probably both—apologies for the stupid joke—but seriously, scientists have found that walnut trees respond to stress in their environment by producing a chemical form of aspirin. Significant amounts of the aspirin can be found in the air around walnut trees in times of drought or unusual temperatures. The chemical aspirin was found by accident when scientists in Davis, CA set up instruments in a walnut grove to study volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They noticed atmospheric increases levels of the aspirin chemical during a time when the grove experienced unusually cool nights and hot days. The aspirin not only helps the tree recover and prevent disease, it's a communication tool to warn other plants of environmental dangers. That implication is interesting because it gives insight into how plant ecosystems communicate. The implications for farmers is also interesting. If walnut trees are indicators of environmental change, farmers could utilize this tool in a positive way: keeping tabs on air quality, managing pests (hopefully organically) and all in all, being a better steward. Source: Science Daily
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It's true what our moms said...we are what we eat. In fact, it's truer than they thought. What I eat doesn't just affect me anymore, it affects all of us.
Unfortunately, the story of food can sometimes be complicated. But envirovores help each other out...which is why this blog will be bringing you news, tips, and information about food and the environment every step of the way.
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