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Neem Oil
Insecticide
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A natural nut oil insecticide -
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Summary: Neem oil
is extracted from the nut of the tropical neem
tree. Neem oil insecticide contains the chemical azadirachtin
which is an effective, low toxicity
alternative to conventional garden
insecticides for many leaf-feeding pests.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist
(ret.)
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Neem oil is a natural insecticide
Neem oil is extracted from the nut
of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). The
tree is native to India but is now being grown in
a number of tropical and semi-tropical countries.
The neem tree has many uses in
traditional medicine, hygene and as a source of natural
insecticide. The active insecticidal
component of neem oil is a chemical called azadirachtin.
Neem oil insecticides exhibit very low mammalian
toxicity and have many uses for control of pests
of food crops as well as on landscape and
greenhouse ornamental pests. Neem oil insecticides
stop insect feeding and interfere with their
normal development.
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neem tree;
photo by Leonardo Lucantoni;
www.wikipedia.com
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Neem oil insecticide
Neem oil insecticide solutions are made by
mixing an oil concentrate (usually 3-4.5%
azadirachtin) with water. The oil is sometimes
combined with insecticidal soap to enhance
the activity of both (see Using
Insecticidal Soap to Control Garden Pests).
Always check the product label
carefully but most neem oil insecticides can
be effectively used for aphids, armyworms, many
leaf-feeding insects such as root weevil adults,
leafminers, thrips and whiteflies. Sprays can be
used on many vegetable crops as well as spices
and herbs, small fruits and berries,
stone fruits and tropical fruits.
Insecticide applications can often be made up to the
day of harvest.
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Benefits of neem oil insecticide
- low toxicity, safe for the applicator
- low environmental impact
- organic and biorational
- relatively broad usage allowed
- easy on beneficial insects and mites
Beside all of the benefits of neem oil the
only real downside is that it may need to be
re-applied every few days (see instructions on
product label). Many gardeners, however, consider
this characteristic to actually be another benefit
because neem oil insecticide won't interfere with
beneficial insects or delay harvest.
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