Neem Organic Garden Pest Control

Description

• Neem pest control products are derived primarily from neem tree (Azadirachta indica) seeds. Native to Asia, neem was used for more than 4,000 years as a pesticide; however, it wasn't until 1959 when a German studying in the Sudan noticed neem trees unaffected by a locust plague, that its pesticidal use was known to the West. Today neem oil and insecticidal soap are available to organic gardeners.

Function

• One of neem's active ingredients, azadirachtin, functions as a growth regulator, antifeedant and egg-laying deterrent, which stops insects from feeding, developing and laying eggs on plants. Neem is considered virtually nontoxic, and in its oil form allows azadirachtin to more effectively penetrate into the unwanted pest.

Pests

• Research has shown neem to be an effective organic pest control against beetles, such as the Colorado potato beetle and flea beetle; caterpillars like the beet armyworm, cabbage looper and diamondback moths; aphids and squash bugs. Thus far, studies have been less favorable for neem's effectiveness against pepper weevils and most thrips.