Wednesday, August 21, 2024

PEST CONTROL- Neem Oil



NEEM (SEED) OIL for PEST CONTROL
 

Neem Oil can be used to treat a number of garden challenges, including:
·  Insects: Neem oil kills or repels many harmful insects and mites, including aphids, caterpillars, whiteflies, snails, nematodes, mealybugs, cabbage worms, gnats, moths, cockroaches, flies, termites, mosquitoes, and scale. It kills some bugs outright, attacks the larvae of others, and repels plant eaters with its bitter taste.
·  Fungus: Neem oil is also effective in preventing fungal diseases such as mildew, black spot, anthracnose and rust.
·  Disease: Neem oil also combats viruses that can harm plants.

Active Ingredient- Azadirachtin is the most active ingredient in Neem Oil.  It reduces insect feeding, and acts as an insecticide and repellant.  It also arrests the metamorphosis of insects at all stages- egg, caterpillar, pupae and adulthood. For example, Azadirachtin interferes with insect hormone systems, making it harder for insects to grow and lay eggs.   Azadirachtin can also repel and reduce the feeding of nematodes.

Advantages of Neem Oil- Neem oil is a popular choice in organic gardens because it is:
·  Nontoxic: Neem Oil is considered nontoxic to humans, birds, and other animals as well and can be used on fruits, vegetables, and flowering plants.
·  Organic: Neem Oil is derived from organically-grown neem trees.
·  Biodegradable: Neem Oil breaks down quickly and leaves no lasting residue.

Neem Oil Application:
For Spray bottle:
üAdd 2ml (.5 teaspoons) liquid soap (we recommend black soap) to a 1.5l water bottle (3/4 full); shake vigorously.
ü Add 5ml (1 teaspoon) neem oil to the soap mixture and shake vigorously. 
ü Pour into spray bottle and apply.

For 15 litre spray pack:
ü Add 20ml (4 teaspoons) liquid soap (we recommend black soap) to a 1.5l water bottle (3/4 full); shake vigorously.
ü Add 50ml (10 teaspoons) neem oil to the soap mixture and shake vigorously. 
ü Pour the mixture into 15l sprayer containing the remaining water.  

*Please spray all aspects of the plant, especially under the leaves.  
*A 250ml bottle of Neem Oil covers about 1 acre.  A 1-litre bottle covers about 4 acres.
*Spraying is most effective when done after 4 p.m.
*It is best to keep the bottle out of direct sunlight and heat- in a cool, dry place.