Repulsive effect of Artemisia
If you have ever smelled an Artemisia annua or afra plant, you will know that, just like its cousin the wormwood, the scent is unique. But did you know that the scent is a real weapon against mosquitoes and other insect pests?
In Kenya, Artemisia afra is so effective at repelling mosquitoes that it is deemed unnecessary to harvest the plant to make tea to treat malaria!
During the mission of the Artemisia House team in Kenya, we met Ruben who shared with us his incredible experience since planting Artemisia afra hedges around his home!
And so we recommend planting Artemisia near windows or as a hedge around houses.
Full explanations on how to grow Artemisia afra can be found here:
https://maison-artemisia.org/en/artemisia-agronomy/cultivation-artemisia-afra
In addition, many members of our network have also signalled the repellent effect of Artemisia afra and annua against insect pests.
So Artemisia is perfectly suitable for use in combination with other crops!
Click here for a full set of recommendations for crop combinations: https://maison-artemisia.org/en/artemisia-agronomy/prerequisites/
Several scientific studies highlight the repellent effect of essential oils of the genus Artemisia [1-2].
The repellent effect of Artemisia afra has been demonstrated under laboratory conditions [3].
A study carried out in Senegal showed the beneficial effect of growing Artemisia annua in association with cabbage in order to reduce its attacks and increase its production [4].
For human and environmental health, Artemisia belongs in the vegetable garden!
References :
Machiels L., 2017. Contribution à l’étude de l’effet d’une culture associée entre l’armoise africaine (Artemisia Afra Jacq. Ex Willd.) et le chou pomme (Brassica Oleracea Var.Capitata L.) sur les ravageurs du chou pomme dans la région de Thies au Sénégal. Gembloux Agro-Biotech, Liège-Université.
Khamala S. , 2004. Bioevaluation of Insecticidal and Repellent Plants from Central Region of Kenya and Chemical Identification of Bioactive Derivatives. Kenyatta University
Richter, J. M., Prinsloo, G. J., & Linde, T. D. K. V. D., 2014. The response of alate Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov)(Hemiptera: Aphididae) to volatile substances from four non-host plant extracts under laboratory conditions. African Entomology, 22(4), 783-789.
Bizzotto L., 2013. Contribution à l’étude de l’effet d’une culture associée entre l’armoise annuelle (Artemisia annua L.) et le chou pommé (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata (L.) Lambinon) sur les ravageurs du chou pommé. Gembloux Agro-Biotech, Liège-Université.
