Green Leaf Volatiles

When you cut grass, the grass sends out this chemical that science has named "Green Leaf Volatiles," or "GLV." These GLV's are basically a distress signal found in many plants, but this article is about cut grass, not the other plants that have GLV's. What is happening is that the grass is calling out "help" to any insects out there that may be beneficial to a patch of injured grass.

While I have no idea what kind of insect would do such a thing, but scientists are given billions of dollars to figure this sort of thing out.

The Smelle

Just about everybody who isn't allergic to grass, always seems to love the smell. That fresh smell, in the early spring, when you have just finished manicuring your lawn? Wow, what a good smell.

That's the chemical.

IRC Explains

<@FED> the suffering makes the grass smell nicer
<@FED> like fois gras
<@FED> or veal

Buncha Science

Plants cannot avoid being attacked by an almost infinite number of microorganisms and insects. Consequently, they arm themselves with molecular weapons against their attackers.

• Plants send SOS signal to insects
• Green Leaf Volatiles: A Plant’s Multifunctional Weapon against Herbivores and Pathogens
• Green leaf volatiles: biosynthesis, biological functions and their applications in biotechnology
• Differential Metabolisms of Green Leaf Volatiles in Injured and Intact Parts of a Wounded Leaf Meet Distinct Ecophysiological Requirements

What YOU Can Do

Who the fuck cares, just mow your grass you lazy slob.