By Assia Mortensen
Neem oil is derived from the fruits and seeds of the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), a native to India. The highly-concentrated oil effectively kills the unwanted insects around your plants, without hurting beneficial bugs like bees and butterflies. It can also be helpful in the prevention of plant fungal infections.
Neem oil is an effective insecticide against many common insects; these include:
- Aphids
- Mites
- Japanese Beetles
- Whiteflies
Neem oil is also an effective fungicide against:
- Powdery Mildew
- Root Rot
- Rust
- Black Spot
- Other Types of Fungi
Directions:
- Place one teaspoon of neem oil in a liter-sized spray bottle. Fill the spray bottle the rest of the way with water and shake well.
- Neem oil should not be applied to a plant in direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
- If the plant you want to treat is in full sun, apply the neem oil in the evening so that it has time to be absorbed overnight. It’s best not to apply neem oil to plants that are stressed, either due to drought or too much rain.
- Spray your plants with the neem solution, including the stem and base, once per week, or as needed.
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References:
Neem Oil; The Weekend Gardener; Accessed July 20, 2012.
Pure Neem Oil; Michael Phillips; Grow Organic Apples; Accessed July 20, 2012
Neem oil as a fungicide to cure Powdery Mildew, Fungal disease in plants; PlasmaNeem.com; Accessed July 20, 2012
Azadirachtin is the source power of Neem oil. Its absolutely true that Neem oil can wipe out any insects, pests from the farms. In my experience from the words of my customers and resellers, I personally consider Japanese Beetles and Powdery Mildew are on the ones farmers must be watchful on their farms. These two can destroy your farm in a splash.