will neem oil kill lady bugs??
- Thread starter vkambull
- Start date
PeyoteReligion
Well-Known Member
Yes but don't do it!! Lady bugs will not eat your plant, but defend it! The are predators to the smaller bugs that do eat your plant! Leave him there and maybe some of its friends will join! Some people PURCHASE lady bugs to put in the garden just for protection.
dam612
Well-Known Member
i had about 2000 in a 4x4 for protection lmao
PeyoteReligion
Well-Known Member
Ah I see you never specified. Sounded like you were trying to kill. I dunno if it will kill em. Are they not doin the job?
Dan Kone
Well-Known Member
In the same way mountain lions and deer get along
echlectica
Well-Known Member
Neem oil does not hurt beneficial insects. Only chewing and sucking insects are affected. It is certainly fascinating.
Like real hormones, neem oil insecticide works at very low concentrations, in the parts per million range. A little neem oil goes a long way.
But this is not something that happens over night. People spray neem oil as insecticide, and expect everything to die instantly, because that's what they are used to from chemical poisons. When that does not happen they conclude neem insecticide does not work.
It does work! Give it time to work. It's a much smarter way to deal with insect pests than to just kill everything.
Like real hormones, neem oil insecticide works at very low concentrations, in the parts per million range. A little neem oil goes a long way.
But this is not something that happens over night. People spray neem oil as insecticide, and expect everything to die instantly, because that's what they are used to from chemical poisons. When that does not happen they conclude neem insecticide does not work.
It does work! Give it time to work. It's a much smarter way to deal with insect pests than to just kill everything.
woodsmaneh!
Well-Known Member
Neem is not a knock down killer, something like Azamax is. Neem will harm good bugs, ladybugs if they come in direct contact with the spray, if they don't get sprayed it will not do any harm.
No it will not harm ladybugs. See below...
you can find some other interesting info here
https://www.rollitup.org/advanced-marijuana-cultivation/445993-woodsmaneh-cool-growing-info.html
Yup Neem is the dope for sure here is info on Neem and a artical writen by a buddy of mine.
Keep in mind Neem will control bugs but it is not a knock down killer it takes time that's why you use it right from the start.
[FONT="]There is some really good information here on what you can do with neem and how and why you should use it often.
[/FONT]
[FONT="]What is it? Neem Oil[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil comes from the pressed seed of the neem tree – Azadiracta indica Juss – to be exact. It’s native to eastern India and Burma and has been used for medicinal purposes and pest control in India for thousands of years.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Claims are that the bark and leaves have quite a few anti’s covered.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Is It Safe?[/FONT]
[FONT="]Well neem products are used in medication and consumed by humans. So any exposure to neem while treating your plants does not pose a threat. There are no restrictions put in place by the EPA.[/FONT]
[FONT="]I spoke to a few growers that have been using neem oil in their “pest control” program and they are delighted with it. Not just from the safety aspect… but the control. They have found the neem oil to be effective as a repellant – insecticide – miticide and fungicide. It also functions as an antifeedant which discourages insects feeding patterns.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Insects would rather die than eat plants treated with neem oil.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Extracts from neem have shown incredible success with not only battling fungus problems but also many forms of root rot.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why it Works[/FONT]
[FONT="]Extracts from the tree contain azadirachtin, a relatively safe and effective naturally occurring insecticide. Let me preface the following comments by reminding you that the terms "naturally occurring and/ or organic" do not universally mean safe. Pyrethrums, rotenone, and even the very dangerous nicotine are all organics that should be handled with great caution.
[/FONT]
[FONT="]Where is it Used?[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem[/FONT] [FONT="] extracts, on the other hand are used in a wide variety of cosmetics, as a topical treatment for minor wounds, to treat stomach ailments, as an insecticide in grain storage containers, and a whole host of other applications. [/FONT]
[FONT="]How Does it Work?[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem works in many ways. It is effective both as a topical and a systemic. It is an antifeedant, an oviposition deterrent (anti-egg laying), a growth inhibitor, a mating disrupter, and a chemosterilizer. Azadirachtin closely mimics the hormone ecdysone which is necessary for reproduction in insects. When present, it takes the place of the real hormone and thus disrupts not only the feeding process, but the metamorphic transition as well. It interferes with the formation of chitin (insect "skin") and stops pupation in larvae, thus short-circuiting the insect life cycle. Tests have shown that azadirachtin is effective in some cases at concentrations as low as 1 ppm.[/FONT]
[FONT="]How to Use?[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil or extract is most often used in an aqueous (water) suspension as a foliar spray or soil drench. Commonly, it is diluted to about a .05% solution. A drop or two of dish soap (not detergent) helps keep the oil emulsified. The mixture is then applied as a mist to all leaf surfaces and as a soil drench to the root system. It should not be applied as a foliar spray on hot days or in bright sun as leaf burn may occur. Remember to agitate the container frequently as you apply and do not mix any more than you will use in one day. Neem breaks down rapidly in water and/ or sunlight. [/FONT]
[FONT="]What to Expect[/FONT]
[FONT="]Some users of insecticide need to be able to observe the instant results of their efforts in order to be convinced of the effectiveness of their choice. The application of neem derivatives does not provide this immediate gratification. There is virtually no knockdown (instant death) factor associated with its use. Insects ingesting neem usually take about 3 - 14 days to die. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Why Keep Using It?[/FONT]
[FONT="]Its greatest benefit; however, is in preventing the occurrence of future generations. It is also interesting to note that in studies it was found that when doses were given, purposefully insufficient to cause death or complete disruption of the metamorphic cycle, up to 30 surviving generations showed virtually no resistance/immunity to normal lethal doses. [/FONT]
[FONT="]I have been using neem oil as both a preventative and fixative and have had no insect problems. It is said to be effective for mites, whitefly, aphids, thrips, fungus gnats, caterpillars, beetles, mealy bugs, leaf miners, g-moth, and others. It seems to be fairly specific in attacking insects with piercing or rasping mouth parts. Since these are the pests that feed on plant tissues, they are our main target species. Unless beneficial’s like lady bugs, certain wasps, spiders etc. come in direct contact with spray; it does little to diminish their numbers.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Not all bugs are bad. Some are beneficial to plants because they eat the insects that feast on your plants.[/FONT]
[FONT="]One of the many benefits of using neem oil insecticide is that it doesn't harm beneficial insects, such as lady bugs because they don't eat your plants.[/FONT][FONT="] They'd rather make lunch out of aphids and other plant destroyers.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Of course, you don't want insects in your home. But if you move your plants outside for any length of time, you may expose your neem-treated plant to the good bugs. Don't worry -- they won't be harmed.[/FONT]
[FONT="]SOURCES OF RELEVANT INFORMATION[/FONT]
[FONT="]Helson, B.V. 1992. Naturally derived insecticides: Prospects for forestry use. Forestry Chronicle 68: 349-354.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Helson, B.V.; Lyons, D.B. 1999 Chemical and biorational control of the pine false webworm. pp. 17-22 in D.B. Lyons, G.C. Jones and T.A. Scarr, eds. Proceedings of a Workshop on the Pine False Webworm.[/FONT]
[FONT="]CFS, Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. 49p.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Helson, B.V.; de Groot, P.; McFarlane, J.W.; Zylstra, B.; Scarr, T. 1998. Leader and systemic applications of neem EC formulations for control of white pine weevil (Coleoptera: Curcolionidae) on jack pine and white pine. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Ont. 129: 107-113[/FONT]
[FONT="]Helson, B.; Lyons, B.; de Groot, P. 1999. Evaluation of neem EC formulations containing azadirachtin for forest insect pest management in Canada. pp. 79-89 in RP [/FONT]
[FONT="]Singh, RC Saxena (Eds.), Azadirachta indica A. Juss. International. Neem Conference, Gatton, Australia, Feb. 1996. Oxford & IBH Publishing Co. PVT. Ltd. New Delhi.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Lyons, D.B.; Helson, B.V.; Jones, G.C.; McFarlane, J.W. 1998. Effectiveness of neem- and iflubenzuron-based insecticides for control of the pine false webworm, Acantholyda erythrocephala (Hymenoptera: Pamphiliidae). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Ont. 129: 115-126[/FONT]
[FONT="]Lyons, D.B.; Helson, B.V.; Jones, G.C.; McFarlane, J.W.; Scarr, T. 1996. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Systemic activity of neem seed extracts containing azadirachtin in pine foliage for control of the pine false webworm, Acantholyda[/FONT]
[FONT="]erythrocephala (Hymenoptera: Pamphiliidae). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Ont. 127: 45-55.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Wanner, K.W.; Helson, B.V.; Kostyk, B.C. 1997. Foliar and systemic applications of neem seed extract for control of spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.) (Lepidoptera:Tortricidae), infesting black and white spruce seed orchards. Can. Ent. 129: 645-655.[/FONT]
[FONT="]http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/11/neem-oil/[/FONT]
[FONT="]Nature’s Plant Protector[/FONT]
[FONT="]Bill Sutherland from [/FONT][FONT="]Growing Edge Technologies[/FONT][FONT="] discusses neem oil and how it can form an important part of your indoor garden pest control program.[/FONT]
[FONT="]
WHAT IS NEEM OIL?[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil is a natural product derived from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). The neem tree is native to tropical and semi-tropical regions of South Asia but also grows in the Middle East and some parts of Africa. Most of the widespread cultivation and use of neem is in India, where it has been used for over two thousand years as a medicinal treatment for a plethora of ailments and disorders. The neem tree is an evergreen, which grows to around 60 ft (18 m) and produces white aromatic flowers followed by a small fruit that looks much like a large olive. Inside the fruit lies the payload; one large seed from which the oil is extracted by either cold pressing or solvent extraction. A by-product of neem oil extraction is a solid dried product called ‘neem cake’, which can be used as an organic fertilizer as well as a good method of controlling soil-dwelling pests. Here we will focus on the properties, uses and advantages of neem oil when used as a natural pest control agent for your homegrown fruits and flowers.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Please note: Neem oil products are not currently registered for use as a pesticide in Canada.[/FONT]
[FONT="]What does neem oil do?[/FONT]
[FONT="]This may sound disappointing, but it needs to be said: neem is not an insecticide that kills on contact, and it has a low instant ‘knock down’ effect. However, it is still very effective! Unlike other chemical insecticides, neem oil gets into an insect’s body after the ingestion of neem coated plant material and gets to work within a few hours. The predominant active component in neem oil is called azadirachtin, and once in a pest’s body it directly affects the hormonal system, more so than the digestive or nervous system. The way in which azadirachtin targets the hormonal system means that insects are far less likely to develop resistance in future generations. As well as azadirachtin, other liminoid compounds present in natural neem oil (nimbin, salanin, gedunin, azadirone, melandriol and more) play a significant collaborative role in deterring feeding and reducing pest populations.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Biological Effects of Neem Oil on Insects[/FONT]
[FONT="]Historical use and recent research studies show that a broad range of phytophagous (plant eating) pest insects are affected and can be controlled by neem oil, these include:[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil is unique in nature since it works on juvenile hormones. The insect larva feeds and when it grows, it sheds its old skin and continues growing. This molting phenomenon, also know as ecdysis, is predominantly governed by the enzyme ecdysone. When the ingested neem, or more specifically azadirachtin, enters into the body of larva, the activity of ecdysone is suppressed. This causes molting failure and results in the larva not developing to the next life stage, and ultimately dying. If only a small amount of neem-coated foliage is ingested, and the concentration of azadirachtin is insufficient to cause molting failure, the larva will manage to enter a short-lived prepupal stage where it will die. In some instances, where the concentration of azadirachtin is still less, the adult emerging from the pupa will be malformed and sterile, without any capacity for reproduction.[/FONT]
[FONT="]2. Feeding Deterrent[/FONT]
[FONT="]One of most important properties of neem oil is feeding deterrence. Most insects are permanently hungry during their larval stages, particularly when they are mobile on the leaf surface. An insect’s maxillary gland is responsible for initiating feeding. When these glands give a signal, peristalsis in the alimentary canal is increased, which makes the larva feel hungry, and makes it start eating. When a leaf is treated with neem oil, the presence of the liminoids azadirachtin, salanin and melandriol produces an anti-peristaltic wave in an insect’s alimentary canal, producing something similar to a vomiting sensation combined with a reduced ability to swallow. Because of this sensation, an insect will avoid feeding on neem-treated leaf surfaces.[/FONT]
[FONT="]3. Oviposition Deterrent[/FONT]
[FONT="]Another way in which neem oil reduces pests is by not allowing the females to deposit eggs. This property is known as oviposition deterrence, and quickly thwarts the pest population growth. Interestingly, studies by Knapp & Kashenge (Insect Sci. Applic.2003) on spider mites, and Singh & Singh (Phytoparasitica, 199
on fruit flies have shown that natural neem oil formulations are more effective as oviposition deterrents and insect mortality than azadirachtin concentrates alone. Results from Knapp’s & Kashenge’s study showed that azadirachtin does not seem to play a major role in the control of spider mites. Although, azadirachtin is an important component of neem oil, the other less studied ingredients seem to have a positive synergistic effect when it comes to effecting the behavior, effectiveness and mortality of plant pests.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem Oil’s Effect on Non-Target Species and Beneficial Insects[/FONT]
[FONT="]One of the problems with the use of chemical pesticides has been their impact on non-target species, particularly when used outdoors. Often they have proved harmful to other beneficial species present in the ecosystem. Neem oil products have proved to be remarkably benign to insects such as adult bees and butterflies that pollinate crops and trees, ladybugs that consume aphids, and wasps that act as parasites on various crop pests. As mentioned above, neem oil has to be ingested to be effective. Those insects that feed on plant tissues, therefore, easily succumb. However natural enemies that feed only on other insects, and bees and butterflies that feed on nectar rarely come in contact with significant concentrations of neem oil to cause themselves harm.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem Oil’s Other Benefits as a Foliar Spray[/FONT]
[FONT="]Beside its insecticidal and nematicidal properties, neem oil is also a promising agent for the control of viral and fungal plant diseases. Neem oil in combination with paraffin oil has been shown to greatly reduce disease incidences of the yellow vein mosaic virus of okra and legumes, and leaf curl of chili, all of which can cause enormous losses. Neem oil has also been shown to reduce transmission of the tobacco mosaic virus in greenhouse vegetable crops of pepper, cucumber and tomato.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil has been demonstrated to suppress fungal activity. Fungi are constantly evolving enemies of growers and some can reach epidemic proportions. Neem oil has been shown to protect seeds against fungal diseases while in storage, and be beneficial as a preventative spray for fungal leaf diseases such as powdery and downy mildew.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil also contains some key nutrients that make it a good foliar fertilizer. A typical good quality neem oil product found in your local grow store will contain the following plant nutrients:[/FONT]
[FONT="]How to Use Natural Cold-Pressed Neem Oil:[/FONT]
[FONT="]Foliar Spraying[/FONT]
[FONT="]Like most of the vegetable oils, natural cold-pressed Neem oil is non-soluble in water and has to be made soluble with suitable emulsifiers before spraying. Some commonly available emulsifiers that can be used are liquid soaps, eco-friendly detergents, surfactants, wetting agents, soap nut powder, and many other organic emulsifiers.[/FONT]
[FONT="]It is recommended to repeat the spraying 5 times at intervals of 7 to 10 days. Spraying should be undertaken during periods of low light intensity; outdoors or in greenhouses this should be in the early morning or late in the evening. If you grow under lights, raise them high and consider turning a few off to reduce light intensity before spraying.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Soil Drench[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem Oil’s Effect on Plants[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil not only coats the plant foliage after spraying, it is actually absorbed into the leaf material and can be transported around the plant systemically. Neem’s liminoid compounds (mainly azadirachtin) can be taken up by the roots after root zone applications, thereby reaching leaf and stem material throughout the whole plant. This reinforces the anti-feeding deterrent properties or neem oil, which makes the whole plant rather unappealing to invading pests.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Due to this persistence in the plant, neem oil products should not be used on plants that are approaching maturity. As a general rule, avoid spraying or soil drenching neem oil on plants that have five weeks left before harvest. As mentioned above, neem products have been used topically and ingested for medicinal use by humans for thousands of years and are completely non-toxic. However, neem has a very bitter taste that can, if used too late in a plant’s life cycle, be passed into the developing consumable produce.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Summary of the Advantages of Neem Oil[/FONT]
No it will not harm ladybugs. See below...
you can find some other interesting info here
https://www.rollitup.org/advanced-marijuana-cultivation/445993-woodsmaneh-cool-growing-info.html
Yup Neem is the dope for sure here is info on Neem and a artical writen by a buddy of mine.
Keep in mind Neem will control bugs but it is not a knock down killer it takes time that's why you use it right from the start.
[FONT="]There is some really good information here on what you can do with neem and how and why you should use it often.
[/FONT]
[FONT="]What is it? Neem Oil[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil comes from the pressed seed of the neem tree – Azadiracta indica Juss – to be exact. It’s native to eastern India and Burma and has been used for medicinal purposes and pest control in India for thousands of years.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Claims are that the bark and leaves have quite a few anti’s covered.[/FONT]
- [FONT="]antiseptic[/FONT]
- [FONT="]antiviral[/FONT]
- [FONT="]anti-inflammatory[/FONT]
- [FONT="]antiulcer[/FONT]
- [FONT="]antifungal[/FONT]
[FONT="]Is It Safe?[/FONT]
[FONT="]Well neem products are used in medication and consumed by humans. So any exposure to neem while treating your plants does not pose a threat. There are no restrictions put in place by the EPA.[/FONT]
[FONT="]I spoke to a few growers that have been using neem oil in their “pest control” program and they are delighted with it. Not just from the safety aspect… but the control. They have found the neem oil to be effective as a repellant – insecticide – miticide and fungicide. It also functions as an antifeedant which discourages insects feeding patterns.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Insects would rather die than eat plants treated with neem oil.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Extracts from neem have shown incredible success with not only battling fungus problems but also many forms of root rot.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why it Works[/FONT]
[FONT="]Extracts from the tree contain azadirachtin, a relatively safe and effective naturally occurring insecticide. Let me preface the following comments by reminding you that the terms "naturally occurring and/ or organic" do not universally mean safe. Pyrethrums, rotenone, and even the very dangerous nicotine are all organics that should be handled with great caution.
[/FONT]
[FONT="]Where is it Used?[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem[/FONT] [FONT="] extracts, on the other hand are used in a wide variety of cosmetics, as a topical treatment for minor wounds, to treat stomach ailments, as an insecticide in grain storage containers, and a whole host of other applications. [/FONT]
[FONT="]How Does it Work?[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem works in many ways. It is effective both as a topical and a systemic. It is an antifeedant, an oviposition deterrent (anti-egg laying), a growth inhibitor, a mating disrupter, and a chemosterilizer. Azadirachtin closely mimics the hormone ecdysone which is necessary for reproduction in insects. When present, it takes the place of the real hormone and thus disrupts not only the feeding process, but the metamorphic transition as well. It interferes with the formation of chitin (insect "skin") and stops pupation in larvae, thus short-circuiting the insect life cycle. Tests have shown that azadirachtin is effective in some cases at concentrations as low as 1 ppm.[/FONT]
[FONT="]How to Use?[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil or extract is most often used in an aqueous (water) suspension as a foliar spray or soil drench. Commonly, it is diluted to about a .05% solution. A drop or two of dish soap (not detergent) helps keep the oil emulsified. The mixture is then applied as a mist to all leaf surfaces and as a soil drench to the root system. It should not be applied as a foliar spray on hot days or in bright sun as leaf burn may occur. Remember to agitate the container frequently as you apply and do not mix any more than you will use in one day. Neem breaks down rapidly in water and/ or sunlight. [/FONT]
[FONT="]What to Expect[/FONT]
[FONT="]Some users of insecticide need to be able to observe the instant results of their efforts in order to be convinced of the effectiveness of their choice. The application of neem derivatives does not provide this immediate gratification. There is virtually no knockdown (instant death) factor associated with its use. Insects ingesting neem usually take about 3 - 14 days to die. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Why Keep Using It?[/FONT]
[FONT="]Its greatest benefit; however, is in preventing the occurrence of future generations. It is also interesting to note that in studies it was found that when doses were given, purposefully insufficient to cause death or complete disruption of the metamorphic cycle, up to 30 surviving generations showed virtually no resistance/immunity to normal lethal doses. [/FONT]
[FONT="]I have been using neem oil as both a preventative and fixative and have had no insect problems. It is said to be effective for mites, whitefly, aphids, thrips, fungus gnats, caterpillars, beetles, mealy bugs, leaf miners, g-moth, and others. It seems to be fairly specific in attacking insects with piercing or rasping mouth parts. Since these are the pests that feed on plant tissues, they are our main target species. Unless beneficial’s like lady bugs, certain wasps, spiders etc. come in direct contact with spray; it does little to diminish their numbers.[/FONT]
[FONT="]What about beneficial insects?[/FONT]
[FONT="]One of the many benefits of using neem oil insecticide is that it doesn't harm beneficial insects, such as lady bugs because they don't eat your plants.[/FONT][FONT="] They'd rather make lunch out of aphids and other plant destroyers.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Of course, you don't want insects in your home. But if you move your plants outside for any length of time, you may expose your neem-treated plant to the good bugs. Don't worry -- they won't be harmed.[/FONT]
[FONT="]SOURCES OF RELEVANT INFORMATION[/FONT]
[FONT="]Helson, B.V. 1992. Naturally derived insecticides: Prospects for forestry use. Forestry Chronicle 68: 349-354.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Helson, B.V.; Lyons, D.B. 1999 Chemical and biorational control of the pine false webworm. pp. 17-22 in D.B. Lyons, G.C. Jones and T.A. Scarr, eds. Proceedings of a Workshop on the Pine False Webworm.[/FONT]
[FONT="]CFS, Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. 49p.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Helson, B.V.; de Groot, P.; McFarlane, J.W.; Zylstra, B.; Scarr, T. 1998. Leader and systemic applications of neem EC formulations for control of white pine weevil (Coleoptera: Curcolionidae) on jack pine and white pine. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Ont. 129: 107-113[/FONT]
[FONT="]Helson, B.; Lyons, B.; de Groot, P. 1999. Evaluation of neem EC formulations containing azadirachtin for forest insect pest management in Canada. pp. 79-89 in RP [/FONT]
[FONT="]Singh, RC Saxena (Eds.), Azadirachta indica A. Juss. International. Neem Conference, Gatton, Australia, Feb. 1996. Oxford & IBH Publishing Co. PVT. Ltd. New Delhi.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Lyons, D.B.; Helson, B.V.; Jones, G.C.; McFarlane, J.W. 1998. Effectiveness of neem- and iflubenzuron-based insecticides for control of the pine false webworm, Acantholyda erythrocephala (Hymenoptera: Pamphiliidae). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Ont. 129: 115-126[/FONT]
[FONT="]Lyons, D.B.; Helson, B.V.; Jones, G.C.; McFarlane, J.W.; Scarr, T. 1996. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Systemic activity of neem seed extracts containing azadirachtin in pine foliage for control of the pine false webworm, Acantholyda[/FONT]
[FONT="]erythrocephala (Hymenoptera: Pamphiliidae). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Ont. 127: 45-55.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Wanner, K.W.; Helson, B.V.; Kostyk, B.C. 1997. Foliar and systemic applications of neem seed extract for control of spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.) (Lepidoptera:Tortricidae), infesting black and white spruce seed orchards. Can. Ent. 129: 645-655.[/FONT]
[FONT="]http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/11/neem-oil/[/FONT]
[FONT="]Nature’s Plant Protector[/FONT]
[FONT="]Bill Sutherland from [/FONT][FONT="]Growing Edge Technologies[/FONT][FONT="] discusses neem oil and how it can form an important part of your indoor garden pest control program.[/FONT]
[FONT="]
WHAT IS NEEM OIL?[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil is a natural product derived from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). The neem tree is native to tropical and semi-tropical regions of South Asia but also grows in the Middle East and some parts of Africa. Most of the widespread cultivation and use of neem is in India, where it has been used for over two thousand years as a medicinal treatment for a plethora of ailments and disorders. The neem tree is an evergreen, which grows to around 60 ft (18 m) and produces white aromatic flowers followed by a small fruit that looks much like a large olive. Inside the fruit lies the payload; one large seed from which the oil is extracted by either cold pressing or solvent extraction. A by-product of neem oil extraction is a solid dried product called ‘neem cake’, which can be used as an organic fertilizer as well as a good method of controlling soil-dwelling pests. Here we will focus on the properties, uses and advantages of neem oil when used as a natural pest control agent for your homegrown fruits and flowers.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Please note: Neem oil products are not currently registered for use as a pesticide in Canada.[/FONT]
[FONT="]What does neem oil do?[/FONT]
[FONT="]This may sound disappointing, but it needs to be said: neem is not an insecticide that kills on contact, and it has a low instant ‘knock down’ effect. However, it is still very effective! Unlike other chemical insecticides, neem oil gets into an insect’s body after the ingestion of neem coated plant material and gets to work within a few hours. The predominant active component in neem oil is called azadirachtin, and once in a pest’s body it directly affects the hormonal system, more so than the digestive or nervous system. The way in which azadirachtin targets the hormonal system means that insects are far less likely to develop resistance in future generations. As well as azadirachtin, other liminoid compounds present in natural neem oil (nimbin, salanin, gedunin, azadirone, melandriol and more) play a significant collaborative role in deterring feeding and reducing pest populations.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Biological Effects of Neem Oil on Insects[/FONT]
[FONT="]Historical use and recent research studies show that a broad range of phytophagous (plant eating) pest insects are affected and can be controlled by neem oil, these include:[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Orthoptera: grasshoppers, katydids, crickets etc.[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Coleoptera: wide range of beetles/weevils[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Hemiptera: leafhoppers, aphids, psyllids & some scale insects[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Lepidoptera: cutworms, borers & caterpillars[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Thysanoptera: thrips[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Diptera: Sciarid fly, fruit fly, buffalo/blow & march fly[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Heteroptera: sucking bugs – Green veggie bug, spotted fruit bug etc.[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Others: nematodes, snails, and also some fungi and pathogenic viruses[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil is unique in nature since it works on juvenile hormones. The insect larva feeds and when it grows, it sheds its old skin and continues growing. This molting phenomenon, also know as ecdysis, is predominantly governed by the enzyme ecdysone. When the ingested neem, or more specifically azadirachtin, enters into the body of larva, the activity of ecdysone is suppressed. This causes molting failure and results in the larva not developing to the next life stage, and ultimately dying. If only a small amount of neem-coated foliage is ingested, and the concentration of azadirachtin is insufficient to cause molting failure, the larva will manage to enter a short-lived prepupal stage where it will die. In some instances, where the concentration of azadirachtin is still less, the adult emerging from the pupa will be malformed and sterile, without any capacity for reproduction.[/FONT]
[FONT="]2. Feeding Deterrent[/FONT]
[FONT="]One of most important properties of neem oil is feeding deterrence. Most insects are permanently hungry during their larval stages, particularly when they are mobile on the leaf surface. An insect’s maxillary gland is responsible for initiating feeding. When these glands give a signal, peristalsis in the alimentary canal is increased, which makes the larva feel hungry, and makes it start eating. When a leaf is treated with neem oil, the presence of the liminoids azadirachtin, salanin and melandriol produces an anti-peristaltic wave in an insect’s alimentary canal, producing something similar to a vomiting sensation combined with a reduced ability to swallow. Because of this sensation, an insect will avoid feeding on neem-treated leaf surfaces.[/FONT]
[FONT="]3. Oviposition Deterrent[/FONT]
[FONT="]Another way in which neem oil reduces pests is by not allowing the females to deposit eggs. This property is known as oviposition deterrence, and quickly thwarts the pest population growth. Interestingly, studies by Knapp & Kashenge (Insect Sci. Applic.2003) on spider mites, and Singh & Singh (Phytoparasitica, 199
[FONT="]Neem Oil’s Effect on Non-Target Species and Beneficial Insects[/FONT]
[FONT="]One of the problems with the use of chemical pesticides has been their impact on non-target species, particularly when used outdoors. Often they have proved harmful to other beneficial species present in the ecosystem. Neem oil products have proved to be remarkably benign to insects such as adult bees and butterflies that pollinate crops and trees, ladybugs that consume aphids, and wasps that act as parasites on various crop pests. As mentioned above, neem oil has to be ingested to be effective. Those insects that feed on plant tissues, therefore, easily succumb. However natural enemies that feed only on other insects, and bees and butterflies that feed on nectar rarely come in contact with significant concentrations of neem oil to cause themselves harm.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem Oil’s Other Benefits as a Foliar Spray[/FONT]
[FONT="]Beside its insecticidal and nematicidal properties, neem oil is also a promising agent for the control of viral and fungal plant diseases. Neem oil in combination with paraffin oil has been shown to greatly reduce disease incidences of the yellow vein mosaic virus of okra and legumes, and leaf curl of chili, all of which can cause enormous losses. Neem oil has also been shown to reduce transmission of the tobacco mosaic virus in greenhouse vegetable crops of pepper, cucumber and tomato.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil has been demonstrated to suppress fungal activity. Fungi are constantly evolving enemies of growers and some can reach epidemic proportions. Neem oil has been shown to protect seeds against fungal diseases while in storage, and be beneficial as a preventative spray for fungal leaf diseases such as powdery and downy mildew.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil also contains some key nutrients that make it a good foliar fertilizer. A typical good quality neem oil product found in your local grow store will contain the following plant nutrients:[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Total Nitrogen 1.20% by mass[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Phosphorus as P 0.07% by mass[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Potassium as K 0.01% by mass[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Magnesium as Mg 0.03% by mass[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Copper as Cu 10 ppm[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Magnesium, as Mn 0.40 ppm[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Zinc as Zn 20.00 ppm[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Iron content 14.00 ppm[/FONT]
[FONT="]How to Use Natural Cold-Pressed Neem Oil:[/FONT]
[FONT="]Foliar Spraying[/FONT]
[FONT="]Like most of the vegetable oils, natural cold-pressed Neem oil is non-soluble in water and has to be made soluble with suitable emulsifiers before spraying. Some commonly available emulsifiers that can be used are liquid soaps, eco-friendly detergents, surfactants, wetting agents, soap nut powder, and many other organic emulsifiers.[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Collect together your equipment.[/FONT]
- [FONT="]To make 10 liters of spray-able neem, pour 1 liter of water into a container, add 10–15 ml of liquid soap, or a suitable emulsifier, and agitate well until the soap/emulsifiers completely dissolve.[/FONT]
- [FONT="]To this solution add 50 ml of neem oil and agitate well until a pale yellowish white emulsion is formed.[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Add this prepared emulsion to 9 liters of water in a bucket and stir thoroughly. The neem solution is now ready for spraying.[/FONT]
[FONT="]It is recommended to repeat the spraying 5 times at intervals of 7 to 10 days. Spraying should be undertaken during periods of low light intensity; outdoors or in greenhouses this should be in the early morning or late in the evening. If you grow under lights, raise them high and consider turning a few off to reduce light intensity before spraying.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Soil Drench[/FONT]
- [FONT="]To make 10 liters of drench-able neem. Add 1 liter of water to a container. Add 20–30 ml of liquid soap, or suitable emulsifier, and agitate well until the soap/emulsifiers completely dissolve.[/FONT]
- [FONT="]To this solution add 250–350 ml of neem oil and agitate well until a pale yellowish white emulsion is formed.[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Add this prepared emulsion to 9 liters of water in a bucket and stir thoroughly. The neem solution is now ready to pour onto the growing medium. Apply enough for a small amount of run-off to occur.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem Oil’s Effect on Plants[/FONT]
[FONT="]Neem oil not only coats the plant foliage after spraying, it is actually absorbed into the leaf material and can be transported around the plant systemically. Neem’s liminoid compounds (mainly azadirachtin) can be taken up by the roots after root zone applications, thereby reaching leaf and stem material throughout the whole plant. This reinforces the anti-feeding deterrent properties or neem oil, which makes the whole plant rather unappealing to invading pests.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Due to this persistence in the plant, neem oil products should not be used on plants that are approaching maturity. As a general rule, avoid spraying or soil drenching neem oil on plants that have five weeks left before harvest. As mentioned above, neem products have been used topically and ingested for medicinal use by humans for thousands of years and are completely non-toxic. However, neem has a very bitter taste that can, if used too late in a plant’s life cycle, be passed into the developing consumable produce.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Summary of the Advantages of Neem Oil[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Broad spectrum of activity[/FONT]
- [FONT="]No known insecticide resistance mechanisms[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Compatible with many other insecticides and fungicides[/FONT]
- [FONT="]New mode of action with possible multiple sites of attack[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Low use rates[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Compatible with other biological control agents for Integrated Pest Management programs.[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Not persistent in the environment[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Minimal impact on non-target organisms[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Formulation flexibility[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Application flexibility — can be sprayed or drenched[/FONT]