The legend goes that drops of nectar
being carried to heaven fell on earth
and out grew garlic plants. Though
the role of garlic in curing various
human ailments has long been
established, recently its spray has
been found to ward off infestation
of ergot-causing fungus Claviceps
sorghi in cereal crops (Indian
Journal of Rural Technology, Vol 6, No 2).
While chemical fungicides are
partially effective, the garlic spray
was found to be cent per cent effective, claims Shiv Dhyan Singh of the
Crop Protection Division of the
Hyderabad-based International
Crop@ Research Institute for the
Semi Arid Tropics, who tested the
concoction - 500 gm of crushed
garlic in half a litre of water - on
Sorghum plants.
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