Characterization of garlic (Allium sativum L.) aqueous extract and its hypothetical role as biostimulant in crop protection

The spread of biological methods to control plant pathogens and parasites is one of the main objectives to be pursued in accordance with the Directive 2009/128/EC, regarding the sustainable use of pesticides. This provision intends to limit the risks caused by the use of synthetic pesticides on environment and health of farmers and consumers, especially in the production of fresh market vegetables. The plant extracts offer significant advantages in terms of sustainable agricultural production and represent a viable alternative to the control of weeds, pests and diseases of crops. In this study, chemical analyzes were carried out with HPLC and NMR techniques for the characterization of garlic aqueous extracts. In addition, the biostimulant and repellent effect of the aqueous extract of Allium sativum L. was evaluated on plants of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) in open field, under the spontaneous attack of parasites and pathogens.