ClosePerfection of a natural organic alternative to the chemical insecticides
In agricultural applications, DDT, BHC and Malathion are the most widely used synthetic insecticides, in particular against the larvae of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Unfortunately, these synthetic insecticides can be the source of significant pollution that may upset the ecological balance if they are utilised at high dosage levels.
Bee-keepers in France have decided to act together in order to establish the true current situation. Their greatest fear is that bees will disappear completely from regions that have been heavily treated with Gaucho (Imidacloprid is the active substance in GAUCHO).
80% of plants need an insect pollinator. Without bees, dozens of plants would be doomed to disappear. The long food chain, whose delayed action effects are not understood, could then be affected by the disappearance of plant species, followed by animal species in a less diverse ecosystem.
This insecticide Gaucho has powerful neuro-toxic effects, whose damaging consequences for birds have been the subject of research by the eco-toxicology laboratory in Lyons. Pierre Menez, a veterinary physician and president of the scientific commission of the Parc Naturel d'Armorique, outlines the conclusions of this research: "500,000 birds died last year due to Gaucho". ("Le Quotidien", 25th Nov. 1998 & "Journal le Ouest-France", 28th Nov. 1998
In 1998, the French Ministry of Agriculture decided to ban Gaucho in three départements, Indre, Deux-Sèvres, and the Vendée, so that in-depth experiments could be carried out. A steering committee was set up.
On 9th February 2001, Jean Glavany, The French Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, formally reported to the research commission on the toxicity of anti-parasitic products, in particular imidacloprid, for agricultural use.
The aim of the present research and development work is to perfect innovative biotechnological and ecological solutions in the field of anti-mosquito products. This involves seeking out healthy, natural, organic alternatives for the chemical damage that conventional insecticides cause every year.
Our objective is to arrive at an essential oil-based product that can exterminate mosquitoes, mites, acarids, wasps, flies and insects that threaten highly susceptible agricultural produce and crops such as flowers. In contrast to the methyl bromide type synthetic insecticides that are commonly used (but which are carcinogenic) and pyrethrins (which are neurotoxins) the product must have no effect on and must be harmless to man and animals.