Young Living is investing in a new research project to study the relationship between the milkweed plant and monarch butterflies. Leading the study will be Young Living Senior Scientist Tyler Wilson and Young Living Research Scientist Emma Andrews with help from Utah Valley University intern Samantha Ingram.
The project will be held at the Young Living Lavender Farm and Distillery in Mona, Utah and the Skyrider Wilderness Ranch in Tabiona, Utah to investigate the chemical profiles of different populations of milkweed. Specifically, this study will examine the different cardiac glycosides, or cadenolides, in milkweed, which is the monarch butterfly’s source of food and protection from predators. Scientists will collect data about butterfly populations, including eggs and larvae on leaves.
“As stewards of the earth, we work to achieve our ambitious conservation, preservation, and restoration goals,” Wilson said. “We hope that the findings from our dedicated team of scientists will aid the larger scientific community in further conservation of the monarch butterfly.”
