Ecobreves – ECOBRIEFS: BRAZIL

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec 7 2009 (IPS) - The sisal plant (Agave sisalana), whose fiber serves as a raw material for making sacks, crafts and furniture, also produces an effective natural insecticide according to scientists at the State University of Feira de Santana, in the northeastern Brazilian state of Bahía. Just five percent of the leaf is used for making fibers. The researchers collected the juice after it was pressed, increased the concentration and mixed it with alcohols.

In this way they produced an insecticide with an effectiveness of “between 64 and 70 percent, in 72 hours of laboratory tests,” to eliminate several types of pests, Juan Ayala, head of the investigation, told Tierramérica.

The study now involves evaluation of toxicity, ideal dosage and economic feasibility. Farmers themselves can make the product, said Ayala. Brazil is the world's leading producer of sisal, with 77 percent of the global market.