More than 2,300 years ago, Greek naturalist Theophrastus described pest-repelling plants that could help protect crops from harmful organisms, according to a new historical study. His writings also documented insects associated with cultivated plants, revealing how ancient agricultural knowledge included methods for limiting crop damage.
The study, published in the Brazilian Journal of Animal and Environmental Research, was conducted by Cláudio Augusto Gomes da Câmara of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco in Brazil. It examines agricultural protection practices across Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome between 2000 B.C. and A.D. 1000.
Theophrastus, who lived from about 371 to 287 B.C., explored plant growth, cultivation, and diseases in his works “History of Plants” and “On the Causes of Plants.” He recorded insects associated with radishes and caterpillars affecting legumes. His accounts also described how certain plants could keep harmful organisms away from neighboring crops.
Theophrastus and pest-repelling plants in ancient Greek agriculture
The findings highlight the importance of observing natural relationships in early agricultural practices. Theophrastus examined how plants interacted with their surroundings and other organisms, contributing to knowledge about preventing damage to cultivated crops.
His writings represent an important stage in the development of botanical knowledge, particularly in understanding plant health and environmental conditions.
The research also examines earlier Greek agricultural traditions. In “Works and Days,” the poet Hesiod advised farmers to cover freshly planted seeds to prevent birds from eating them. He also recommended prayers to Zeus and Demeter at the beginning of plowing to encourage a successful harvest.
These accounts illustrate how agricultural experience, practical measures and religious traditions formed part of crop protection in ancient Greece.
Ancient civilizations developed different methods to protect crops
The study also identifies agricultural protection practices in other civilizations. Mesopotamian records describe incantations and rituals directed against locusts, insect larvae, and other organisms that threatened crops.
In ancient Egypt, farmers used materials such as ash and animal fats to protect stored grain. Religious practices and protective objects also formed part of efforts to preserve food supplies.
Roman agricultural writers documented methods for protecting seeds, vineyards, fruit trees, and stored products from harmful organisms.
Some of this knowledge survived through the Byzantine agricultural collection “Geoponica,” compiled in the 10th century. It describes placing three mustard seeds near grapevine roots to combat locust larvae and using written formulas intended to drive rats away from fields.
The study highlights how ancient societies combined knowledge of plants, agricultural experience, and traditional practices to protect crops, documenting a long history of pest management across different civilizations.
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