Camphor uses in farming: Exhibits numerous biological characteristics

Camphor ( Cinnamomum camphora), the broad-canopied tree, is considered valuable for its medicinal oils, strong aroma, and glossy leaves. This remarkable tree, native to East Asia, has long been valued for its traditional medicinal uses, woodworking applications, and natural insect-repelling properties.

Camphor exhibits numerous biological characteristics, including antibacterial, anticoccidial, antiviral, antinociceptive, anticancer, and insecticidal effects. Additionally, it is utilized to improve skin penetration. 

As soon as the weather changes, from summer to rainy season, from rainy season to winter season, Vegetable Crops, like chilli, tomato, bottle gourd, zucchini, bitter gourd, lady’s finger, cabbage, cauliflower,  broccoli, cucumber, watermelon, muskmelon, whatever crops you grow, you have to spray them once in seven days or ten days, either with fungicide or insecticide or both are mixed and sprayed in combination. Due to this, the cost of cultivation increases manyfold which resulting in severe economic losses to the farmers. To overcome this problem, the camphor used in farming is an organic alternative to chemical pesticides

How to identify Pure Camphor?

Pure camphor: Transparent, crystalline texture, complete and clean burning, and a unique, pleasant scent are characteristics of pure camphor.

Adulterated camphor: It leaves residue when burned, adulterated camphor frequently smells harsh and chemical (like Vicks VapoRub), and it can seem hazy or opaque.

Difference Between Organic and Synthetic Camphor;

Organic Camphor:	Synthetic camphor
Source: Extracted from the wood of the camphor laurel tree (Cinnamomum camphora).	Synthetic camphor comes from turpentine, a byproduct of pine tree resin.
Look: Usually present as waxy, white granules.	Look: Usually a white powder, it can be made to look like real camphor.
Optical Activity: Dextrorotatory rotation of polarized light to the right.	Optical Activity: Either optically passive or rotates polarized light to the left (levo-rotatory).
Safety: Usually regarded as safe for external application, it can be utilized in conventional treatments.	Safety: External use is generally safe, but caution should be exercised, particularly when ingested.
Medicinal Uses: Traditionally, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat heart attacks, improve vision (applied to the eyelids), and act as an antimicrobial.	Medicinal Uses:  it is not recommended for internal intake (dietary or medicinal), although it may be used for some medicinal purposes.

How can a camphor solution be prepared for farming?

A) Ingredients required for making a camphor solution;

1.  Pure camphor, square type Pallets,
2.  100 ml. Neem Oil,
3.  Ethanol/Eucalyptus Oil,
4.  Calcium oxide,
5.  Sikakai Powder,
6.  Turmeric powder

If the crop is small and less than a month old( like Urd bean Crop), take four to five pallets; if the plants are large and more than a month old, take eight to nine pallets.

B) Procedure for making a camphor solution for plants.

1. Camphor does not dissolve in water; however, it does dissolve in ethanol. Ethanol is an organic compound, as it is a byproduct of the sugar industry. (Camphor can also be dissolved with eucalyptus oil).
2. Turning neem oil into water is the aim. We can use organic shampoos for this.
3. Neem oil can be transformed into a water state by adding shikakai or soap nut powder. 
4. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder. To the neem oil solution, add 1.5 spoonfuls of calcium oxide. This can stop pests from attacking plants.
5. Add the camphor and neem oil solutions to the sprayer after filling the other half with water. In the sprayer, combine all of the solutions now. The plants can now be sprayed with this.

Benefits of Camphor Solution Spray On Plants;

1. It controls many types of fungus-borne diseases. Additionally, it also serves as an insecticide, effectively controlling a wide range of insects. Its pungent smell and its fragrance
2. Camphor solution is an effective growth promoter. It enhances plant development and produces a large yield.
3. We can produce drumsticks in 20 days if it is sprayed with moringa. Sesame plants develop quickly, reach a decent height, and flower better if we spray them two or three times.
4. We can consistently harvest the fruits and blossoms of lemon and jasmine.
5. When sprayed first, we can stop stunted growth in chillies.
6. It keeps onions from developing pointed bulbs.
7. It enhances flowering in black gram.
8. Provides a way to shield the leaves from pests, and it increases groundnut yield.
9. It successfully deters bollworm attacks in cotton and enhances flowering, both of which increase output.
10. For all crops, camphor solution works well as a pest repellent.
11. Camphor solution quickly and effectively suppresses mealy insect attacks on plants. Camphor solution is the most effective remedy for controlling mealybugs.
12. It prevents powdery mildew in guava and amla.
13. All kinds of pests can be managed, and dark green curry leaves can be produced if sprayed on them.