Aloevera can work magic as termite repellent, bio-fertiliser

Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, September 16

Scientists of the Environment Science Department of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) have maintained that aloevera could solve termite problem in Shahpur area of Kangra district.

Dr Deepak Pant from CUHP said termites attack furniture and plantations. If people grow aloevera in their surroundings, it can act as a termite repellent. A solution of aloe and water repels termites.

The CUHP was planting aloevera on the temporary campus in Shahpur, he said.

Pant said aloevera could be used as a bio-pesticide and bio-absorbent of pollutants. “We recommend an aloevera raw material that can be used with aloe bio-fertilizer as a foliar spray and acts as a plant growth promoter. It can reduce bird, flying fox (bat) and insect (pest) attacks on crops,” he said

Historically, there was no evidence that aloevera plants are attacked by any type of pest because of its natural aloin content. It has eco-friendly way to deter pests that can be used by farmers also. This plant can also be used as larvicidal agents against dengue vector, Pant said.

He said aloevera had many health benefits, including prevention of signs of ageing, moisturising skin, reduces acne and lighten blemishes, helps with sunburns, reduces tan, heals external wounds, insect bites, reduces stretch marks, benefits hair, promotes hair growth, reduces dandruff, maintains pH balance of scalp, reduces inflammation, eases heartburn, acid reflux, reduces cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, maintains oral health, builds immunity and lowers risk of cancer.