[Sca-cooks] Nicotine in the Garden

[Chris Stanifer]

The Cooperative Extension at the UofN in Lincoln has
this to say about nicotine use in home gardens:

"Nicotine Sulfate: This "natural" insecticide is
derived from the tobacco plant and is highly toxic to
humans and other warm-blooded animals. It is not
recommended for home use.

Home prepared pesticides are used by some gardeners
and are publicized as seemingly successful. Be wary of
methods which suggest boiling plant parts or grinding
them up in a water solution to use as a spray on
vegetables. This spray solution can be very poisonous.
For example, boiling rhubarb leaves or soaking tobacco
stems in water is apparently practiced by some
gardeners. Both of these plants contain extremely
toxic poisons and should be dealt with carefully.
Remember that a naturally derived pesticide compound
can be just as toxic as a synthetic one to both pests
and people."

With this info, I think I'll forego the use of
tobacco, and concentrate on Lord Ras' suggestion of
using Pyrethrin (a naturally derived by-product of the
crysanthemum).  It is said to be very effective, if
not persistant... but, to be honest, I don't want a
persistant pesticide.  I want to take care of the
problem now, so I can take natural steps to avoid a
recurrence in the future.

Balthazar of Blackmoor



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