Posted on 08/17/2009 10:56:13 AM PDT by JoeProBono
Common herbs and spices show promise as an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional pesticides, scientists have told a major US conference.
They have spent a decade researching the insecticidal properties of rosemary, thyme, clove and mint.
They could become a key weapon against insect pests in organic agriculture, the researchers say, as the industry attempts to satisfy demand.
The "plant essential oils" have a broad range of action against bugs.
Some kill them outright while others repel them.
Details were presented at the Fall Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Washington DC.....
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
I’ve had raised bed gardens for years surrounded by rosemary, mint, and a creeping thyme ground cover. Never had any insect problem, not even aphids or whiteflies.
They should look at neem, too.
Marigolds are also a traditional way to repel insects. Slugs hate them too. Mints work for different insects but some are attracted.
Anything to repel nasty waterbugs?
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