A well-planted Vetiver hedgerow
Costa Rica: biological control of spittlebugs (Aeneolamia spp, Prosapia spp.) in Vetiver / Control biológico de salivazo en Vetiver
The following article comes from Yorlene Cruz in Costa Rica. Yorlene is the owner/founder of Vetiver Systems Costa Rica, the organizer and host of the monthly “Conversatorios Virtuales Latinoamericano Vetiver”, TVNI’s Costa Rica Coordinator, and a Director of TVNI. For more details see the full write up of this case study (in Spanish) and a video that shows the affected plantings.
After almost two decades working with Vetiver, we have recorded the first appearance of a pest that has the potential to kill Vetiver plants. This past July, a Vetiver user whose land management practices incorporate the usage of traditional agrochemicals, reported to us the emergence of a pest in a 0.5 ha area of his Vetiver that “poisons leaves, stems, rots the crown and roots, and kills the plants”. This user has a total of some 13 ha of slopes that have been stabilized with Vetiver, and fear that this outbreak could advance into the rest of the site, threatening the overall stability of the entire area.
The pest of concern was identified as Aeneolamia spp., which are commonly known as “spittlebugs”. They affect the leaves, stems, and roots of Vetiver. This pest is a well-known, major pest on sugarcane and pasture grasses. Sugarcane farmers and ranchers in several Latin American countries know this pest well.
In analyzing the situation, we first must observe that for the more than 20 years that we have been planting Vetiver, there has never been an issue before with spittlebugs in Vetiver plantings. Our initial hypothesis of why this was occurring now and in this place was that it may be related to the landowner’s management practices. At the affected site, conventional management practices that rely on agrochemicals are in use. This is distinct for our practices at Sistema Vetiver Costa Rica. We utilize on only organic inputs and biological fertilizer packages that we design for the specific needs on the specific sites where we establish Vetiver. These practices enhance the microbiota and soil ecosystems, promote healthier crops and do so even under adverse conditions such as slopes affected by landslides and/or earth movements, where the soil is exposed and vulnerable. As such, we set out to find a way to control this spittlebug infestation using biological controls.
Biological Control Strategy
Our biological pest control strategy included the following key steps:
- Identification of the pest: Aeneolamia spp., commonly known as “spittlebug”, it affects both sugarcane crops and pastures, exacerbated by inappropriate management practices.
- Study of the dynamics: Learn about and understand the life cycle and four stages of development of Aeneolamia spp.
- Continuous monitoring: To evaluate the presence and severity of the pest.
- Application of biological controls: Use of biological inputs that would effectively combat the pest, specifically a package of amendments applied in foliar and drench applications in the cool hours of the day, comprising an entomopathogenic bio controller fungi, entomopathogenic nematodes, natural adherents that protect fungi from UV rays, bacteria (beneficial, facultative, Gram-positive, mycelium-forming) in a culture medium for decomposition and control of eggs, bioinsecticides, and phyto-beneficial microorganisms as adjuvants,. See table below for summary of good management practices for the biological control of spittlebugs.
- Cultural Controls: Implementation of preventive agricultural practices that reduced the favorable conditions for the proliferation of spittlebugs.
Progress to date
- The pest was first reported in July 2024.
- We carried out the first application of biological controls in mid-August 2024.
- A second application was completed in early September 2024.
Although we are obtaining very good results, due to the complexity of the pest, it is necessary to continue implementing preventive measures and continuously monitor the egg banks in the soil to project population levels for the 2025 rainy season.
Vetiver’s Long History in Colombia
While we have known that the use of Vetiver grass in Colombia for soil and moisture conservation extends back more than three or four decades (for example, a 1991 note from the Director of CIAT/Cali, Colombia), a recently encountered 1949 UN publication* demonstrates that Vetiver’s usage within the coffee sector was well-established at that time. Given Colombia’s long standing as a major coffee producer — the 1st coffee exports registered were in 1835 and by the late 1800s coffee was Colombia’s main export commodity — it would not be surprising if Vetiver’s usage in the coffee sector extended back into the 19th Century. Vetiver grass’ historic use in coffee plantations is documented, particularly in the context of colonial agricultural practices, and this historical evidence points to its relatively widespread adoption for soil conservation in coffee-producing regions around the world, with the practice dating back to at least the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
“SPECIAL TECHNIQUE OF SOIL CONSERVATION
Due to the special characteristics of the Coffee Zone in Colombia, it has been necessary to develop a technique of Soil Conservation that includes the general principles of Conservation used the world over (like rotations, contouring, strip-cropping, terracing, etc.), adapting it to meet the demands of a very rough topography, a singular crop as is coffee, tropical soils, the empirical systems of cultivation and the character and behaviour of the people.
Among the special practices are the following….When a farmer insists on cultivating “clean crops” or “raw crops” on prohibited slopes, the Soil Service tries to diminish the damage done by erosion by means of (a) Alternate plots of different crops; (b) buffer strips; and (c) living barriers, etc….[which includes] Vetiver (Anatherum zizaniodes L. Hitcht)**…is advocated in coffee plantations for the purpose of diminishing the velocity of water and catching the soil that is going down the slope. In future these living barriers will form a bench-type terrace.”
* PROCEEDINGS of the United Nations Scientific Conference on the Conservation and Utilization of Resources. 17 August–6 September 1949 Lake Success, New York
** A synonym for Chrysopogon zizanioides
Recent Trends in Vetiver Grass Research
An AI (ChatGPT 4) was used to research and generate this article on trends in scientific papers on Vetiver Grass applications that were published in 2023 and 2024. Interestingly, the AI reported that to analyze the trends was “challenging due to the broad scope of applications and topics”, i.e., that much of the recent research is interdisciplinary in nature, so that studies tend to overlap across the fields of:
- Phytoremediation: This area is extensively studied, with numerous publications focusing on the ability of vetiver grass to absorb and remove heavy metals and other pollutants from soil and water. The plant’s phytoremediation capabilities have been highlighted in many papers due to its effectiveness and environmental benefits.
- Bioremediation and Wastewater Treatment: Research on the use of vetiver grass in constructed wetlands and hydroponic systems for wastewater treatment is also significant. The grass’s ability to tolerate harsh conditions and efficiently absorb pollutants makes it a frequent subject of studies in this domain.
- Soil and Water Conservation: Papers focusing on soil stabilization and erosion control using vetiver grass are common, as the grass’s deep root system is highly effective in these applications. This research often intersects with environmental management and agricultural sustainability.
- Biomaterial and Industrial Uses: The potential of vetiver biomass in producing activated carbon and its application in composites for industrial use has been explored in several studies. This area of research is gaining traction as sustainable materials become more critical.
- Pharmacological Properties: The essential oils derived from vetiver have been the subject of pharmacological research, with studies investigating their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and therapeutic properties. This research is expanding due to the increasing interest in natural remedies and essential oils.
- Genetic and Taxonomic Studies: Research in this field often focuses on the genetic characteristics and diversity of vetiver grass, which is essential for breeding and conservation efforts. Such studies are crucial for understanding the plant’s adaptability and potential uses.
The countries that were the leaders in publishing Vetiver research during this period were:
- India: As a native to India, the country is a significant contributor to research, particularly in areas related to its phytoremediation capabilities and agricultural applications.
- China: China has been actively researching the environmental and industrial applications of Vetiver grass, focusing on its use in phytoremediation and erosion control.
- Iran: Researchers in Iran have focused on the use of Vetiver grass for bioremediation and wastewater treatment, recognizing its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.
- Thailand: As a country with a strong tradition of using Vetiver for soil and water conservation, Thailand continues to contribute research on its ecological benefits and uses.
- Brazil: Brazil is involved in studies related to the pharmacological properties of vetiver, especially its essential oils and potential health benefits.
Therapeutic Potential of Vetiver Oil
In recent years interest in Vetiver’s potential health and therapeutic benefits has been growing along with the concerns about overreliance on synthetic drugs and increasing interest in/acceptance of alternative medicine and natural remedies. Vetiver has been used for a wide variety of purposes in traditional medicine – and not just in India with Vetiver’s long tradition of usage in ayurvedic medicine for such things as skin conditions, digestive issues, nervous system disorders, fever and inflammation, and wound healing – in many countries around the world. Dr. Jim Duke, a renowned American botanist and herbalist known for his extensive work on medicinal plants, documented many of Vetiver’s medicinal uses during his career and wide travels, and a summary may be found in the US Department of Agriculture’s “Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases”.
A February 2024 publication in the online Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics , entitled “Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Chrysopogon zizanioides Essential Oil: A Comprehensive Study on Its Chemical Composition, Thermal Analysis, and Biological Activities” reports on the findings from testing Vetiver oil’s potency to combat a range human health-related issues. The authors of the study conclude:
As the world is shifting toward the use of natural products for various purposes, specifically for pharmaceuticals in order to deal with emerging ailments. Our study is a piece of evidence that explores the physio-chemical and biological potential of essential oil extracted from Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver). The findings in our work detail the composition of VEO [Vetiver essential oil] and indicates its promising use as, an anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-malarial, and anti-biofilm agent. The essential oil was also found to be effective against the HeLa cell line, demonstrating its anti-cancer potential, as well as showing its potential action against Mycobacterium tuberculosis [ed. the organism that causes tuberculosis]. The above-presented activities demonstrate that VEO is a mixture of various potential compounds which was validated in our study…VEO can be employed as an alternative to synthetic medication, and could also be explored further in other sectors as well [as]…Chrysopogon zizanioides essential oil exhibits considerable potential…It could serve as a non-toxic alternative for infection prevention and find utility in the food industry.
Additional readings on this subject:
- Singh I., Kumar A. Therapeutic Potential And Bioevaluation Of (Chrysopogon zizanioides): A Narrative Review. Era J. Med. Res. 2023; 10(1): 88-96.
- Grover M, Behl T, Virmani T, Bhatia S, Al-Harrasi A, Aleya L. Chrysopogon zizanioides-a review on its pharmacognosy, chemical composition and pharmacological activities. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 Sep;28(33):44667-44692. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-15145-1. Epub 2021 Jul 2. PMID: 34215988.
- Grover, M., Behl, T., Bungau, S. et al. Potential therapeutic effect of Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver) as an anti-inflammatory agent. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 15597–15606 (2021).
A Vetiver Initiative for Wayanad and Beyond
Recently Dr. Mani Skaria contacted TVNI regarding his work and interests in the Vetiver System. Dr. Skaria is the President and CEO of US Citrus LLC (located in southern Texas) and a Professor Emeritus of Citrus Pathology. The following is abstracted from a document he shared.
As an agricultural scientist and citrus entrepreneur in Texas, I am aware of the actual impacts of extreme weather, events such as hurricanes and freezes that have affected my citrus business. In response, my company, US Citrus, has proactively invested in soil and water conservation, sustainability, and carbon sequestration starting in 2021.
As part of our conservation efforts, we are launching a project to plant a million Vetiver plants in our citrus orchards in Texas. Vetiver plants are known for stabilizing soil, absorbing excess water, carbon sequestration, and preventing landslides. To this effect, we collaborated with Dr. S. Mentreddy at Alabama A&M University, and we hired Dr. Lam Duong from Vietnam in 2021 to spearhead our Vetiver initiative at the US Citrus company.
Dr. Skaria also shared an initiative that he is launching in India, in response to the very recent, tragic landslide in Punchirimattam, Wayanad, India. To implement the initiative, Dr. Skaria is seeking collaborators and support. You may contact [email protected] should you have the interest and/or ability to support this work.
The death toll [from the landslide] crossed 400 as of now, 150 people are missing, [and] 310 hectares of [perennial] crops were destroyed….[this] should not have happened. Despite warnings from ecologists, the lack of preparedness in Kerala is alarming.
Unfortunately, [this is] a persistent problem [that] plagues the inhabitants of areas nestled within the undulating hills: landslides will be triggered by monsoon rains. People helplessly watch their agricultural land erode, undermining their livelihood and safety of people and animals.
We can seek a solution grounded in ecological resilience, for example, via “Ramacham,” English name, Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), a unique perennial grass renowned for its soil- stabilizing properties by planting Vetiver along the vulnerable slopes… Empirical observations have confirmed Vetiver’s effectiveness as the roots create an underground network that significantly reduces soil erosion and enhances soil moisture retention and groundwater recharge. Such a dual action mitigates the hydraulic pressures that often precipitate landslides during heavy rainfalls…
We can expect a marked decrease in landslide incidents by integrating Vetiver grass as a proactive measure. This biological engineering with Vetiver grass planting, can yield sustainable and scientifically sound solutions to environmental challenges, promoting resilience and stability in vulnerable terrains and landslide control.
In response to this tragedy, I have initiated a Vetiver planting project for Wayanad, India, to make and distribute a million Vetiver plants in the region. To support this initiative, I seek assistance and collaboration from various stakeholders, including scientific communities, local ecologists, NGOs, influencers, artists, scientists, and the people of Wayanad and beyond…I am seeking support in the following areas:
- Developing a clear vision for the Vetiver planting project in Wayanad, including selection of the right Vetiver plants, planting techniques, and funding.
- Input and collaboration from scientific communities, research foundations, government agencies, nurseries, and other stakeholders.
- Assistance in site selection from ecologists with remote sensing to identify optimal planting sites with slopes and contour planting for maximum impact,
- Engagement with the local community to ensure long-term sustainability and acceptance of the project through education and collaboration.
By working together and following these steps, we can establish a successful Vetiver project in Wayanad that will benefit erosion control, soil stabilization, and environmental conservation. It has the potential to expand to other parts of the Western Ghats region and beyond. Your support in any form, be it financial, time, effort, or expertise, will be crucial in ensuring the success of this initiative. Please join this initiative to bring a bio-engineering solution to landslides effectively.
Greening Roadway Infrastructure with Vetiver Grass to Support Transportation Resilience
The authors of this study* put together a useful review article on Vetiver’s suitability for use in enhancing the resilience of roads and roadway infrastructure in the United States. It is based on a literature review and interviews with experts. Their conclusions on Vetiver’s suitability and the barriers to its acceptance and use in making transportation networks resilient are important reminders that the work being carried out by TVNI network members in bio engineering applications in Asia, Latin America, and Africa place them in the global vanguard of efforts for developing practical and affordable options for making infrastructure climate resilient. Your example is important, and it is being noticed! The article also reminds us of something that we already know painfully well: the lack of enabling policy from governments is a major obstacle to the wider use and acceptance of not just Vetiver, but for bringing to scale almost all so-called “nature-based solutions” and “green infrastructure” approaches that could be substituting for highly expensive, traditional, hard-engineered structures.
With flooding and other weather events intensifying, more cost-effective erosion and flood control systems are needed. Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty), is part of an arsenal of sustainable, low cost, and green infrastructure tools to reduce the risks of erosion, landslides, and flooding.
This study investigates vetiver and its broader application to transportation planning…An evaluation framework was devised in which the plant’s effectiveness to stabilize hillsides and manage stormwater is investigated. This framework is applied to a recent highway flooding case where vetiver could have been used. While site-specific conditions and roadway requirements are critical to its effectiveness as a mitigation tool, additional pathways to understanding, acceptance, and use of vetiver to support transportation resilience requires convergence in engineering, design, and planning disciplines. Understanding barriers to the adoption of vetiver will also support efforts to increase other green infrastructure tools in transportation planning. Improvements in policies, standards, guidance and training and education on vetiver and green infrastructure will support the mitigation of transportation disruptions and community resilience.
While there are limitations to this study, as it was largely literature-based and limited to the United States, there are clear takeaways. First and foremost, despite the increasing demand for green infrastructure driven both by climate change and disasters, there is limited awareness and understanding of how specific tools such as vetiver can be used more widely in transportation projects…The barriers to adaptation [include] the management of uncertainties and the need for vulnerability assessment tools and metrics for asset criticality… Second, there is more appreciation and experience with green approaches in developing countries, which provide valuable experience to integrate it with conventional approaches. This was evident from the literature review and interviews. The research team plans to be involved in more engagement, information sharing, site visits, and other exchanges with international researchers and practitioners working on green infrastructure…Third, training and educational needs include coursework on green infrastructure, transportation planning, hazard mitigation, and adaptation to climate change. The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center and the Pacific Urban Resilience Lab at the University of Hawai’i will continue to integrate green infrastructure in training for emergency managers, responders, and those involved in disaster recovery. Fourth, changes in policies, funding, priorities, and evaluation of recovery and reimbursement of federal and other funds to support building back greener and faster should be initiated. There is a need for more investigation and documentation of recovery and a stronger advocacy for greener, more cost-effective, and beneficial approaches to disaster management.
Other promising directions emerge from this research. For example, in terms of the preparedness and maintenance of highway slopes, and levee and dam slopes on problematic soil, vetiver can be a transformative technique due to its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability in adverse climates. Performing a comprehensive study on soil strength and stiffness could also help with preparedness.
There is a need for greater interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary convergence to support understanding, technology transfer, and a better accounting of the costs and benefits of vetiver and other green infrastructure tools. There is demand for local knowledge and integration of social, cultural, and environmental assets to manage risk and to address not only damage repair, but to build more just, sustainable, and resilient communities. Planning must consider needs, capabilities, and opportunities for growth and improved quality of life in disaster relief and reduction, especially for underrepresented populations. Expanding choice, promoting inclusiveness and diversity, and striving for greater participation in the planning, design, and engineering of transportation systems and the communities they serve are all part of the calculus for success.
