'Killer Spices' Provide Eco-friendly Pesticides For Organic Fruits And Veggies

[Staff]

'Killer Spices' Provide Eco-friendly Pesticides For Organic Fruits And Veggies

ScienceDaily (Aug. 18, 2009) — Mention rosemary, thyme, clove, and mint and most people think of a delicious meal. Think bigger…acres bigger. These well-known spices are now becoming organic agriculture's key weapons against insect pests as the industry tries to satisfy demands for fruits and veggies among the growing portion of consumers who want food produced in more natural ways.

'Killer Spices' Provide Eco-friendly Pesticides For Organic Fruits And Veggies
excerpt from above:

The natural pesticides have several advantages. Unlike conventional pesticides, these "killer spices" do not require extensive regulatory approval and are readily available. An additional advantage is that insects are less likely to evolve resistance — the ability to shrug off once-effective toxins — Isman says. They're also safer for farm workers, who are at high risk for pesticide exposure, he notes.

But the new pesticides also have shortcomings. Since essential oils tend to evaporate quickly and degrade rapidly in sunlight, farmers need to apply the spice-based pesticides to crops more frequently than conventional pesticides. Some last only a few hours, compared to days or even months for conventional pesticides. As these natural pesticides are generally less potent than conventional pesticides, they also must be applied in higher concentrations to achieve acceptable levels of pest control, Isman says. Researchers are now seeking ways of making the natural pesticides longer-lasting and more potent, he notes

[biigblueyes]

Use some of those spice pesticides on lettuce or spinach, and we won't even need salad dressing!

Some of the home-made organic potions for pests include garlic and hot pepper. I would be interested to know if spice sprays would impact the taste of something like strawberries.

[JennyC]

Not after it rains. :P