Australian Scientists Use Wheat Scent to Confuse Mice, Reducing Seed Loss by 74%

Times of India · science

Australian scientists have developed a non-toxic method to protect wheat seeds from mice by camouflaging their scent. In a 2021 field experiment, researchers sprayed diluted wheat germ oil across farm plots, making it difficult for mice to locate buried seeds. This treatment reduced seed loss by up to 74% compared to untreated plots. The method works by spreading the wheat odour widely, preventing mice from pinpointing individual seeds. This innovative approach could potentially be applied to other crops and animals that rely on smell to find food.