Black Walnut Trees Produce A Natural Insecticide
Marilyn Pokorney

The black walnut tree manufactures a substance that is a natural
insecticide according to experts at the Texas State University in
Austin.

American black walnut tress contain a tannic acid chemists call
juglone. The reddish yellow substance leaches from leaves, and
some believe exudes from roots, or transfers from branches and
foliage to the roots. Tree physiologists agree that roots of
other plants that come in contact with those black walnut tree
roots die--even other black walnut seedlings.

Juglone is sometimes washed out of the still green walnuts during
late summer or even autumn rains. The growth of plants 60 to 80
feet away are inhibited by the juglone. The substance affects
plants of various families. Studies have found that tomatoes,
alfalfa, potatoes, apples, blackberries, rhododendron, mountain
laurel and pine trees are all affected.

According to a professor and extension forester at Iowa State
University, juglone is known to repel various garden insects.
Just by placing branches of the tree around the house and under
furniture dog and cat owners are amazed to find that their pets
have fewer fleas.


Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net


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