The Taiwan
Agricultural Research Institute has developed a mixture of essential oils and
plant oils to replace pesticides when growing vegetables and fruit, as part of
the government's efforts to promote healthy agriculture.
Yu Jih-zu,
an assistant researcher at the institute, told CNA Wednesday that his team has developed
a great substitute for pesticides after seven years of trial and error.
The mixture
contains five essential oils and three to four plant oils, Yu said, but he
declined to give further details, citing commercial concerns.
The
institute has transferred the know-how to three local companies, he added.
"The
combination can enhance the effectiveness of other natural pesticides, such as
a mixture of lime and sulfur," Yu said.
The newly
developed oil mixture has been used for growing cucumbers, peas, tomatoes,
jujubes, papayas and strawberries, according to the institute.
Tsai
Jyh-nong, a deputy researcher at the institute, said that farm management still
plays an important role, as timing is critical.
Greenhouses
provide the best environment for crops, and farmers can use small-mesh nets to
lower building costs, the researcher told CNA.
Weeding is
crucial, Tsai went on, claiming that a lot of farmers are unaware that weeds
offer the perfect breeding ground for parasite eggs and diseases.
Farmers
should also take note of the kind of pests are invading their crops and what
diseases are infecting their crops, he said.
"Such
low-cost preventative measures have proved effective. Most important of all,
the crops are free of pesticide residue," Tsai said.
"It
not only ensures the health of consumers, but also preserves the
ecosystem," he added.
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