Herbs and spices used to flavor food are also green alternatives to synthetic pesticides, scientists say.
Oils from thyme, rosemary, mint, and other herbs and 'killer spices' are gaining favor among farmers as alternatives to synthetic pesticides, according to Murray Isman, an entomologist at the University of British Columbia in Canada. (Also see 'Killer Bugs Made Welcome on Green Farms.')
Sprayed onto crops like any garden-variety pesticide, the plant oils repel insects, similar to how chili peppers can repel elephants. Other oils kill pests outright, the study says.
Originally intended for the perfume and food-flavoring industries, the killer-spice oils are already available wholesale and may be headed to retail shelves if the new use catches on, the researchers say. Read the entire article.
Interesting that Isaiah 28:25 says, "Does he not level its surface. And sow dill and scatter cummin And plant wheat in rows, Barley in its place and rye within its area?"
Wonder if that means in Bible times they sowed spices in with grains? Very interesting.
Lover of God, nature, wildlife, birds, gardening, photography, travel, simple living, health, pets and seeking a peaceful, healing lifestyle. Life has many hurts and sorrows but within "the [divine] nature in us" we CAN overcome.
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