Plant extracts

What are plant extracts?

Plant extracts are preparations obtained from the extraction of different plant substances by various processes, such as maceration, fermentation, infusion, decoction and essences. The active principles present in each plant are phytochemical complexes (secondary metabolites), we can find a great variety and different concentrations, so their benefits are varied. There are active compounds that can be used to combat pests and diseases, as well as stimulants for vegetative development and inducers of resistance to abiotic factors (drought, hail, frost, etc.).

The efficacy of plant extracts depends on a number of factors, including: plant species and even variety, extraction methodology, the quality of the plants used, concentration used, etc.
Function of plant extracts:

  • They help to control pests and diseases in different crops, according to phenological development stages and different environmental conditions.
  • They function as stimulants of phenological development, favouring vegetative development and the activation of their biochemical cycles that trigger specific internal processes in synergy with plant resistance.
  • They regulate growth functions in roots, leaves, flower and fruit.
  • They help to reduce the growth of various weeds, as long as their application is preventive.
Benefits of plant extracts:

  • They are of vegetable origin, so they do not produce hazardous waste that affects the health of the soil, the environment and people.
  • They are easy to prepare and apply.
  • Ingredients, materials and tools are readily available and inexpensive.
  • They do not affect beneficial fauna (insects and other organisms that naturally act to control pests and diseases).
  • They do not generate resistance in pests as chemical insecticides and fungicides do.
  • The extracts are 100 percent biodegradable.