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VOL. 11, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Traditional herbal remedies used by Kuruchia communities in Wayanad district of Kerala to Combat stored Grain pests
Authors
Bijeesh T P, Rajeshkumar S
Abstract
Located in Wayanad District's forests, the
Kurichia tribe has an extensive array of traditional ecological knowledge
regarding the use of herbal medicine in their agricultural activities. This
study documents the traditional ways that the Kurichia tribe protects its
stored grains from pest infestations using herbs. Data were collected via field
observations, interviews with local village elders, and literature on
ethnobotany to provide a comprehensive view of the methods used. The results
indicate that the Kurichia tribe uses native plant sources and natural
substances (i.e., not man-made) for environmentally friendly pest control. The
people of this tribe routinely use powders made from plants or extracts of
leaves, as well as smoke from the burning of both medicinal and aromatic
plants, as repellents to all insects. In addition to these repellent methods,
dried leaves, ash, and crushed tubers such as wild arrowroot also assist in
deterring pests found in storage, while preventing damage to stored grains. Furthermore,
many times when storing grains, Kurichia people line the inside of their
containers with bamboo and cover grains with natural plant materials, such as
banana spathes, to create a physical barrier as well as a chemical barrier
against all pests. These indigenous methods used by the Kurichia tribe are
sustainable, economical, and have no chemical residue; they demonstrate an
in-depth understanding of the natural environment. Herbal pest control methods
are utilized by the Kurichia community and demonstrate a commitment to organic
farming principles focused on conserving biodiversity; however, this important
form of traditional knowledge is being eroded through modernization and
changing livelihood patterns. The research highlights that it is essential to
document and conserve the ethnobotanical practices of the Kurichia, as they
present viable alternatives to synthetic pesticides and support sustainable
agriculture. The integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific
methodologies can improve food security and sustainability in rural and tribal
settings.
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Pages:381-390
How to cite this article:
Bijeesh T P, Rajeshkumar S "Traditional herbal remedies used by Kuruchia communities in Wayanad district of Kerala to Combat stored Grain pests". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 11, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 381-390
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