Scientists have found a novel use for discarded aloe vera peels by converting them into a natural insecticide, offering an innovative approach to pest management.
Driven by the realization that bugs bite plants but avoid aloe vera leaves, researchers sought to uncover the hidden potential of aloe peels, which are often discarded as agricultural waste. The team dried the peels in a dark environment to preserve their bioactivity and identified compounds with insect-repelling and insecticidal properties.
Octacosane, found in the peels, repelled mosquitos, while another molecule, DCM, exhibited strong insecticidal activity. This discovery has the potential to transform aloe vera peels from waste into a sustainable solution for crop protection, avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals and contributing to climate change mitigation.
Learn more at https://www.optimistdaily.com/2023/12/study-finds-yet-another-potential-use-for-aloe-plants-natural-insecticide/