Quillaja saponins, derived from the soapbark tree, also known as Quillaja saponaria, offer a novel active ingredient sourced from its wood and bark. This extract, manifested as Quillaja Extract, serves as a potent agent against pathogenic fungi and nematodes in various agricultural settings, including vineyards, orchards, field crops, and ornamentals. Notably, its application as a pesticide is deemed safe for humans, non-target organisms, and the environment.
I. Active Ingredient Description: Quillaja saponins present as a dark brown liquid with a distinctive sweet and pungent odor. Extracted from the soapbark tree, the product contains 8.60% by weight of the active ingredient.
II. Use Sites, Target Pests, and Application Methods:
- Use Sites: Vineyards, orchards, field crops, ornamentals
- Target Pests: Nematodes, pathogenic fungi
- Application Methods: Liquid formulation applied using ground equipment such as band sprayers, soil fertilizer shanks, drip irrigation, or aboveground sprinkler systems.
III. Assessing Risks to Human Health: Quillaja Extract poses minimal risks to human health when used for pest control. Laboratory studies on animals indicate non-toxicity or infectivity following various exposure routes. Moreover, its wide use in food items underscores its safety profile.
Safety of Quillaja Extract: While generally safe in food amounts, oral ingestion of Quillaja in large quantities can lead to toxicity, causing severe adverse effects such as liver damage and respiratory failure.
Quillaja’s Usage: Traditionally, Quillaja extract finds application in alleviating cough, bronchitis, scalp itchiness, and dandruff. However, caution is warranted due to potential side effects like cardiac depression and localized irritation.
Benefits of Quillaja Extract:
- Taken by Mouth: Evidence for its effectiveness in treating cough, bronchitis, and breathing problems is inconclusive.
- Applied Directly to the Affected Area: Limited evidence exists regarding its effectiveness in treating various conditions such as skin sores, athlete’s foot, itchy scalp, dandruff, and vaginal discharge.
Composition of Quillaja Extract: Quillaja saponaria extract, sometimes spelled “quillaia,” is a dark brown liquid derived from the logs and bark of the soapbark tree. Its sweet, pungent odor characterizes its nature, with the name “quillay” originating from the Mapuche word “quillean,” meaning “to wash.” The soapbark tree, native to Chile, boasts shiny, leathery leaves and a thick bark, with its wood sustainably obtained through pruning activities.
