On June 25^th, Beijing time 23:00, 2025, the international top academic journal Nature published online the latest research discovery completed by the team of KANG Le from the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with LEI Xiaoguang's team from Peking University, titled "Decoding 4-vinylanisole biosynthesis and pivotal enzymes in locusts." This study makes it possible for humans to intervene in the aggregation and swarm migration of locusts.

The researchers systematically deciphered the complete biosynthetic pathway of the locust aggregation pheromone 4-vinylanisole (4VA), successfully identified the important precursor compounds of 4VA and the crucial synthetic enzymes 4VPMT1 and 4VPMT2. Based on a deep analysis of the enzyme-substrate structure-activity relationship, they screened and designed specific small molecule inhibitors, achieving precise chemical regulation of the biosynthesis and release of the locust aggregation pheromone 4VA.

This study not only reveals the molecular mechanisms of locust aggregation pheromone biosynthesis but also lays a solid scientific foundation for the development of pheromone-based precise pest control, opening up a new path for the construction of a pest green control system in agriculture.

Figure. The biosynthesis and intervention of locust aggregation pheromone 4-vinylanisole (4VA)（image by Kang’s Lab）