Aloe barbadensis, commonly referred to as aloe vera, has long been celebrated for its ability to treat skin issues, promote digestive wellness, and heal wounds.
Experts have now discovered that the discarded peels of the aloe plant, often viewed as agricultural waste, may play a pivotal role in warding off insects, establishing themselves as a potent natural insecticide. The researchers will present their breakthrough at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) this year.
During a visit to a local aloe vera production facility, Dr. Bandyopadhyay made an intriguing observation: while insects wreaked havoc on other plants, they conspicuously avoided the aloe leaves. This observation led to a potential theory, and Dr. Bandyopadhyay asked the facility’s CEO for permission to examine the discarded rinds in his lab. The CEO initially offered samples of the company’s products instead.
Natural pesticides
While a few enterprising home gardeners have employed aloe gel as a component of natural pesticides, often blending it with pungent ingredients like onions and garlic, the peels have been notably absent from these concoctions.
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