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Neem Oil
is a natural pesticide extracted from the seeds of Neem (Azadirachta indica), a
tropical tree native to the Indian subcontinent. All parts of the tree have an
antimicrobial and insecticidal property that has been exploited for thousands of
years by indigenous people. Its excellent safety profile for higher organisms,
especially birds and mammals, makes it a better alternative to chemical
pesticides.
Neem oil is not a contact poison. It does not kill insect pests directly. It is
systemic in action, mainly affecting the feeding as well as growth and
development of insects. Nothing will happen immediately even if you spray the oil
on them, so people often come to the conclusion that neem oil is ineffective and
just all hype.
Neem oil has to be first ingested by the pests before it can have any effect.
Because of this, the toxic effect of the oil is mainly directed towards insects that
suck plant juices and the insect larvae munching on the leaves and buds. Many
predatory insects and other pollinators that do not eat plant parts are spared.
The most important bioactive agent in neem oil has been named azadirachtin.
This compound belongs to a group of phytochemicals known as limonoids.
Azadirachtin seems to have a steroid-like action on insect metabolism, disrupting
hormone synthesis and other cellular functions. Loss of appetite is one obvious
outcome, and it causes reduced feeding in insects. Larval metamorphosis and
adult molting are also affected. All in all, the insects fail to thrive and attain sexual
maturity, so their populations decline.
Neem oil is used in many commercially available insecticide formulations, but you can
mix your own potent formula from pure neem oil. There are mainly three ways neem oil
can be used for effective pest control in the organic garden.
Azadirachtin breaks down pretty quickly once the oil is diluted, so use up the spray
within 2-3 hours of mixing. Depending on the insect pests affecting your crops, the
application should be repeated several times over a period that matches the length of
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their full life cycle. In the case of rapidly-reproducing insects with short lifecycles such
as spider mites, the plants should be sprayed every three days for at least 2-3 weeks.
Horticultural oil is well accepted in organic culture, but they have a limited effect since
they do not have any residual action. Adding neem oil to the formula can make them
more effective by reducing the chances of insects and their larvae attaining sexual
maturity and reproducing. Insect eggs that have been sprayed with neem oil often fail to
develop
You can add neem oil to any commercial horticultural oils such as All Seasons Oil at the
ratio of 1 Tbsp to a quart. Mix well and spray on trees, with special attention to forks,
knots and dead branches.
Another advantage of using it as soil drench is that it can take care of pathogenic soil
organisms, especially nematode worms. As a matter of fact, neem has a long history of
being used as vermifuge in its native areas. Soil drench is especially beneficial for
tomatoes and melons that are highly susceptible to nematode infestation.
Neem leaf paste and powder are traditionally used as wound dressing in people and
animals. A host of fungal and bacterial skin infections from ringworm to impetigo are
treated with neem oil. Neem leaf tea is used for stomach infections and as a preventive
against chickenpox.
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Neem oil is shown to have similar wide spectrum antimicrobial action against plant
pathogens too.
Mix 2 Tbsp neem oil in a gallon of water for an antifungal spray against the following
infections:
Rust
Powdery mildew
Black spot
Botrytis
Anthracnose
Treating the plants at the first sign of disease, or even in anticipation of potential
infections has been found to be more effective than trying to control full-fledged
infections. Repeat the application once every week until the danger passes.
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