Dangers of Garlic Mustard
- Melissa Feudi
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June 12, 2025
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283 words
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2 minutes
Hypothesis: Garlic mustard is a large contributing factor to amphibian loss in the northeast due to its chemical compound AITC.
GARLIC MUSTARD
Garlic mustard was first introduced into Long Island where it then spread throughout the Northeast.
Endangered frogs are in rural areas like Vt., Conn, & New Hampshire.
AITC:
Garlic mustard is an invasive species in North America. Garlic mustard has a volatile compound called Allyl Isothiocyanate AITC.
According to US EPA, AITC is a biochemical pesticide used as an “insect and animal repellent, feeding suppressant, insecticide, fungicide, herbicide and nematicide” (US EPA, 2013a).
AITC is used heavily in the sugar industry due to its potent fungicidal activity. In this context, the substance protects sugar beets from fungi during storage (Romanowski, 2000).
AITC is reported to damage DNA and is toxic to aquatic organisms.
References:
USDA Petition for Use of Allyl Isothiocyanate as Organic Fumagant, Effects, Uses, Chemistry
Dept of Pesticide Regulation - California - AITC
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-14593-0
Insecticidal and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Isothiocyanates
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7277602/
AITC EFFECT ON ENVIRONMENT - STUDIES
AITC was found to have teratogenic properties and caused frog malformation and mortality.
Effect of allyl isothiocyanate on developmental toxicity in exposed Xenopus laevis embryos
Effects of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) on entomopathogenic fungi
- AITC increases tick populations due to its anti fungal properties.
Effects of garlic mustard on entomopathogenic fungi
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Amphibian deformities have now been reported in over 30 states, as well as Canada.
https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/news/feature-articles/where-frogs-live