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Vietnamese researchers create safe pesticide from natural substances

HA NOI — Scientists in Ha Noi claim to have developed a new environmentally safe pesticide made from trees grown in many areas of the country.

The product, named HBVTV1, is the result of research by more than 20 scientists at the Ha Noi Pharmacy University, the Institute of Chemicals and the Biology and Ecology Institute.

According to the researchers, the product does not pollute the environment or contaminate crops. Its active ingredient in the product is limonite, a substance found in citrus and china-trees and plumbagin of bach hoa xa and aglaia trees.

The product has undergone testing in vegetable growing areas in Thuong Tin, Dong Anh and Tu Liem districts over the past two years.

"After eating the substance, pests become very tired and then die," says Dr. Luu Tham Muu.

"The active substances are mixed with water before being sprayed on crops," he added.

Muu said that as HBVTV1 dissolves quickly, it has no effect on consumers. However this also means that farmers have to continually re-spray their crops.

"Despite this drawback, HBVTV1 is still much cheaper than many other pesticides," Muu said.

A farmer in the testing area said that local farmers had seen enough to convince them to buy the product if it is launched commercially.

Farmers in Viet Nam spend an estimated US$100 million on agricultural chemicals every year, 40 per cent of which are pesticides.

"The team is continuing its research in order to maximise the effectiveness of the product," said head of the project Duong Anh Tuan. — VNS