Natural (Biological) Pesticides

The use of commercial pesticides kill, not only the target insect pests, but also beneficial insects like spiders, grasshoppers
and others. Besides this, it leaves residues in the plant where it is sprayed, and is harmful to the person spraying. If
inhaled, pesticides can cause cancer in the long run.

Pesticides chemically prepared are expensive; we have plants that naturally repel harmful insects at no cost, such as:

1. Wild pepper (dried and pulverized) -- spray on infected plants. When this becomes moist from dew, insect pests are
repelled.

2. Combination of 3 pieces garlic, 2 pieces pepper, and 2 pieces onions grind and pulverize these, soak overnight in water.
By next morning, fill up the water to make 3 gallons. Strain and spray on affected plants.

3. Ash and lime:

 spread around the plants to keep off snails or land leeches

 put a basin of water beside the plant to attract and trap the snails

4. Essence (oil) from oranges, calamansi, pomelo and other citrus -- dispels and kills ants, flies, white crickets, etc.

5. Damong Maria (dried) -- when burned drives away insect pests

6. Eucalyptus leaves

7. Manzanilla flowers

Pyrethrum Flower

Is a kind of white chrysanthemum that grows in high altitudes like the Mountain Province. It contains pyrethrin, a chemical,
that drives insects away. The higher the altitude, the stronger is its pyrethrin content. The pyrethrin or pesticide content of
this flower is not harmful to humans, and is beneficial to plants like potatoes. It also repels insect pests that feed on
cultured plants. Pyrethrin comes from chrysanthemum leaves.

Marigold

Marigold or amarillo contains a chemical that is toxic to some pests in the soil, like nematodes. Thus, it is good to plant
marigold together with vegetables or in between farm crops. Nematodes are very tiny parasites or worms in the soil, river,
sea, rotting wood or plants. They also thrive in other parts of the plant like the roots, and in animals and insects. Most
nematodes are not harmful, but even helpful in fertilizing the soil. However, their danger lies in that they feed on roots,
stems, or leaves of plants -- they suck the nutrients.

Kalingag - Insect Repellant

The most damaging insect pest that preys on fruits is the fruit fly. Once it gets into the flesh of any fruit, it can reproduce
and spread wherever that fruit may be brought. Thus, in efforts of importing countries to avoid the entrance of this pest
into their territories, strict regulations are imposed on incoming fruits for instance our mango.

It was found out by a scientist from the Bureau of Plant Industry in Quezon that the bark of the Kalingag attracts, insects,
especially the fruit fly, thus facilitates their entrapment.
Procedure:

1. Pulverize the bark of the kalingag tree.

2. Mix the powder in 2% water solution that is, 2 grams per liter of water.

3. Put this in containers with traps.

The fruit flies will approach it, especially early in the morning and late afternoon.

Makabuhay (Tubli) - Excellent Source of Insecticides

In a research conducted by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research & Development
(PCARRD) at the U.P. Los Baños, it was found out that the juice of 50 grams of makabuhay for 1.25 liters water can control
rice green leafhoppers, insects that bring the virus of the disease in palay.

There are various ways of using makabuhay. One is by soaking the roots of the palay seedlings in the makabuhay solution
24 hours before planting. Another is by broadcasting the juice of the makabuhay on the palay seedlings.

The effect of these is almost the same as that of carbofuran, a chemical insecticide against leafhoppers.

Two kilograms of ground makabuhay can also be broadcast in a square meter of field 10 days after plowing. This is the
same as broadcasting carbofuran which is effective 5-7 days after application. Besides its use as insecticide, makabuhay is
also used in the relief of stomachache, indigestion, diarrhea, ulcer, parasites and malaria.

For more information, contact:

Dept. of Science and Technology

Rm. 303 DOST Bldg., DOST Complex,
Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City 1631
Telephone Nos: (632) 837-20-71 to 82
Fax: (632) 837-8937
Web: www.dost.gov.ph

Dept.of Agriculture
D.A. Compound, Elliptical Rd.,
Diliman,Quezon City
Tel. Nos. (632) 929-6065 to 67 / 920-3991 / 928-1134
Web: www.da.gov.ph

photo from ageri.sci.eg