American scientists from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have created an effective mosquito repellent from ordinary mustard. It turned out to be safe for humans and nature, but deadly for parasite larvae. Report published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports.
Entomologists have studied natural substances to control the population of blood-sucking insects that spread various infections. Experts drew attention to isothiocyanates, a group of chemicals found in mustard seeds.
The researchers ground the grains of four plant species of the mustard family (Russian mustard, white mustard, yarutka and watercress) into flour. Various concentrations of the powder were then added to the small glass of water containing the mosquito larvae. aedes aegyptiA virus that can transmit dengue, Zika virus, yellow fever, and other pathogens.
Of all mustards, watercress was the deadliest to mosquitoes. Flour from cereals destroyed 95% of the larvae in just 24 hours and 100% in less than two days.
Scientists say mustard could be a cheap and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides, which can be obtained from byproducts of turning herbs into oils and spices.
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