garlic extract plant extracts Plant Extracts in Pesticides and Fungicides Most plants have their own built-in mechanisms to protect themselves from various pathogens or animals. As scientists gain understanding about the specifi c compounds created by plants for defense, potential plant-based pesticides and fungicides are discovered. Particular compounds in plants, due to their natural antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, are now being incorporated into natural pesticides and fungicides. These plant extracts can be directly used or the specifi c substances responsible for the antimicrobial or insecticidal properties can be isolated and incorporated into pesticides and fungicides. Aloe Vera Extract A relatively new extract to exhibit potent antifungal properties is an extract obtained from aloe vera. Aloe vera extracts have been found to have anti-fungal activity against some of the most common post-harvest pathogens, including penicillium expansum (blue mold) and botrytis cinerea (bud rot). Aloe vera extract is also used as a soil amendment to control moisture. In fact, aloe vera added to a soil which has been inoculated with benefi cial microorganisms will protect the microorganisms from extreme conditions. Prepackaged soils that do not contain aloe vera extract will not be able to protect the benefi cial microbes when the soil is stored in hot or cold conditions. Garlic Extract Garlic extracts are becoming more and more popular in organic horticulture. This powerful plant has a natural fungicidal property and the ability to destroy bugs on contact. As an insecticide, garlic extracts work most effectively as a pest insect deterrent. Because pest insects are adversely affected by garlic, they will immediately pack up and fi nd another place to live. Many pesticide companies are combining garlic extracts with other organic active ingredients to maximize effectiveness. Clove Oil Similar to garlic extracts, clove oil is becoming a popular additive in many organic pesticides and fungicides. Eugenol is a compound extracted from clove which has displayed powerful antimicrobial properties. Insecticidal products made with clove oil are excellent contact killers. Rosemary Extracts Special compounds found in rosemary extracts block the octopamine receptors of many pest insect varieties. Pest insects sprayed with a rosemary extract solution will experience paralysis and eventually death. Because octopamine receptors are specifi c to insects, rosemary-based insecticides show great promise as a safe alternative to chemical insecticides