Scientists in the hill state of Uttarakhand have come up with a herbal repellent which they claim will keep mosquitoes at bay, especially during monsoons.
DEHRADUN: Scientists in the hill state of Uttarakhand have come up with a herbal repellent which they claim will keep mosquitoes at bay, especially during monsoons.
The news come as a relief to people amid reports that chemical mosquito repellents are harmful for skins.
The scientists at the regional centre of the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) at Bhowali in Nainital district said they have discovered strong mosquito repellent properties in the plant species -- almoria geranium.
"We have discovered the repellent properties of the plant after a series of experiments," said Kuldip Singh Negi, officer-in-charge of NBPGR's Bhowali centre.
Negi said the plant (with the generic name of pelargonium graveolens) was discovered by sheer chance when he came in contact with one Vivek Joshi of Almora.
Joshi casually told Negi that he never saw any insects coming near the plant.
Taking a cue, Negi along with a team of scientists visited the area and took samples of the plant.
Following a detailed analysis, it was found that citronella was the dominant compound in the plant.
"This compound is known for emitting a strong odour which stops insects including mosquitoes from coming near," said Negi.
The experiments also showed insects and mosquitoes keep themselves away from the plants in case they are grown at home, Negi said.
After discovering the repellent properties of the plant, Negi and his team are now busy in launching efforts to make an effective repellent in ointment or in some other forms.
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