Hodge S, Powell G (2011) Factors influencing the inhibition of aphids by β-aminobutyric acid. Bulletin IOBC/WPRS (in press) Kuo H-F (1986) Resistance of oats to cereal aphids: effects on parasitism by Aphelinus asychus (Walker). In: Boethal DJ, Eikenbary RD (eds) Interactions of plant resistance and parasitoids and predators of insects. Ellis Horwood Ltd., Chichester, pp 125–137 Michael Williams, slippers-maker who sells in Premier Plaza in Kingston, is an occasional drinker: "I drink it three to four times per month. It puts strength in the body... I mean the entire body. It is best, however, when you boil it yourself. Roots is a good thing, it is natural... I mean, anything that God produces is the right thing... the real thing." But Falmouth resident Barrington Sawyers, who has been drinking BABA Roots for over a year now, attests: "It is a real tonic. It strengthen yuh body. It give yuh energy, sexual energy. It give yuh more stamina like a 'Duracell' (battery) to go on and on." Thaler JS, Stout MJ, Karban R, Duffey SS (1996) Exogenous jasmonates simulate wounding in tomato plants ( Lycopersicon esculentum) in the laboratory and field. J Chem Ecol 22:1767–1781

However, with science now coming to terms with traditional beliefs of the healing abilities of roots and herbs, a new global market known as nutriceutical market is steadily gaining momentum. Hodge S, Thompson GA, Powell G (2005) Application of DL-β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) as a root drench to legumes inhibits the growth and reproduction of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris. Bull Entomol Res 95:449–455 There are also some other herbs that are good for fertility. These include red clover. This herb is a source of bioidentical antioxidants. Red clover can be used to treat menstrual symptoms and promote regular periods. Another herb that is good for fertility in women is red raspberry. This herb serves as a tonic for the uterus. Anthony Clarke, 42, acrobat from Port Maria, says he started drinking roots tonic when he was about 15 years old "just out of sheer curiosity, because I heard people talking about what it does for the body". He now claims "the roots strengthen my body and also enhances my sex life. In other words, roots put the lead in your pencil! I must point out, too, that roots is good for many things and not only do I drink it for sheer pleasure, but also to calm the nerves".

Introduction

The herb saw palmetto has been used over many years for boosting sexual health in men and it has also been used to treat impotence which is a major concern in fertility.

Sarfraz M, Dosdall LM, Keddie BA (2009b) Host plant quality affects the performance of the parasitoid Diadegma insulare. Biol Control 51:34–41 His sentiments were echoed by Antoinette Stephens, who works as an office attendant in Montego Bay. "The BABA Roots nice, man. It taste good. It give yuh energy and stamina. We do need little roots sometimes inna wi body," says Stephens, who has also been drinking the roots for over a year. Lou YG, Du MH, Turlings TCJ, Cheng JA, Shan WF (2005) Exogenous application of jasmonic acid induces volatile emissions in rice and enhances parasitism of Nilaparvata lugens eggs by the parasitoid Anagrus nilaparvatae. J Chem Ecol 31:1985–2002 Jakab G, Cottier V, Touquin V, Rigoli G, Zimmerli L, Metraux JP, Mauch-Mani B (2001) Beta-aminobutyric acid-induced resistance in plants. Eur J Plant Pathol 107:29–37Owen Lewis, a taxi operator in the western resort city of Montego Bay, insists that he gets a "good night's rest" after a drink of roots tonic. "It mek me feel calm. Mi used to wake up at 5:00 am and feel tired. But mi drink it last night and mi nuh feel tired this morning (despite having risen at the same time). It mek me feel rested," Lewis adds. Made from 100 percent natural ingredients, this Baba Roots Herbal Drink gives you the energy and boost you need to take on your day. Home-made roots drinks/tonics have been a part of the Jamaican tradition for a long time. The formulas for these roots/tonics are usually handed down by older members of the family or community members. This powerful, traditional herbal tonic helps to stimulate your nerves, cells and organs, helps improve circulation, alleviate pain and many other benefits.

Roots do have chemicals in them. Until we can ascertain what is really in those roots we can’t declare them safe,” argues Dr Audley Betton, a general practitioner. “Too much of one thing is good for nothing. For example, too much ginger thins out the blood, and if one should have an emergency operation he would overbleed,” Betton advises. The product is Jamaican, and we intend to keep it Jamaican," said Dennisur. "All the ingredients that are used in the production of the Baba Roots drink are from indigenous Jamaican plants.

Sarsaparilla helps to keep the major hormones that play a role in the health and function of the reproductive system balanced. Karatolos N, Hatcher PE (2009) The effect of acetylsalicylic acid and oxalic acid on Myzus persicae and Aphidius colemani. Entomol Exp Appl 130:98–105 The datasets presented in this study can be found in online repositories. The names of the repository/repositories and accession number(s) can be found below: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/, GSE190782. Author Contributions Heil M, Hilpert A, Kaiser W, Linsenmair KE (2000) Reduced growth and seed set following chemical induction of pathogen defence: does systemic acquired resistance (SAR) incur allocation costs? J Ecol 88:645–654 Baba roots drink is the all natural energy drink that is grown, brewed and bottle in Jamaica and is becoming more popular in recent years. Many people enjoy the health benefits of these roots, but do not know what they actually are. It is a powerful detoxifier and helps to cleanse the blood, liver, and kidneys. It is also high in antioxidants which help to fight off free radicals in the body.

Cohen Y, Rubin AE, Kilfin G (2010) Mechanisms of induced resistance in lettuce against Bremia lactucae by DL-beta-amino-butyric acid (BABA). Eur J Plant Pathol 126:553–573 Cohen Y, Gisi U (1994) Systemic translocation of 14C-DL-β-aminobutyric acid in tomato plants in relation to induced resistance against Phytophthora infestans. Phys Mol Plant Pathol 45:441–456 Ton J, Jakab G, Toquin V, Flors V, Lavicoli A, Maeder MN, Metraux J-P, Mauch-Mani B (2005) Dissecting the β-aminobutyric acid-induced priming phenomenon in Arabidopsis. Plant Cell 17:987–999 MR, JT, EL, and RA-V conceived the study. RA-V, DW, and GH performed the experiments. MR, MC, RA-V, AB, DW, and GH analysed the data. MR and MC wrote the manuscript with contributions from RA-V, AB, EL, and JT. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version. FundingWu CC, Singh P, Chen MC, Zimmerli L (2010) l-glutamine inhibits beta-aminobutyric acid-induced stress resistance and priming in Arabidopsis. J Exp Bot 61:995–1002