Neem Oil
By Bruce Lee Deuley - 12/9/02

In India, the Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica) is regarded as one of Mother Nature's gift to the world. It is used for everything from combating tooth decay to use as a cure all and prophylactic against internal and external infections as well as a pesticide and fungicide in the garden as well as in the home.

The pesticide properties of Neem Oil have been exploited for at least the last 2500 years. Sanskrit writings document the microbicidal and pesticide effects of the oil extract.

When used as a pesticide in an organic gardening program Neem Oil breaks down the life cycle of pests and inhibits them from feeding. It also interferes with their ability to breed and prevents larval stages of many insects from ever becoming an adult.

Neem Oil is known to be active against over 400 insect s and yet has been proven totally safe by the EPA without the need of using gloves, mask or other protection as is often recommended when using dangerous chemical pesticides.

Neem Oil is available from many sources and can be purchased her e in Kerrville at any good nursery as well as at several local feed stores. It is usually used at the rate of 1 ounce to a gallon of water. I would recommend adding a tablespoon of liquid dish soap to help the oil stay in solution while in use. Also, mix only the quantity you can use in 4 to 6 hours, as the resulting solution is very biodegradable and will break down in several hours.

Unlike harsh chemical pesticides, most of which are really nerve poisons, dangerous to both human beings and the environment; Neem Oil does not immediately kill the affected insect. But, rather interferes with its normal life cycle and eventually kills it by forcing it to starve to death or stops its metamorphosis, eliminating it as a potential pest. It can be used as often as necessary and has been cleared for use up to the day of harvest.

Be sure when purchasing Neem to check the label and be sure it contains only Neem Oil and not any additives. Several manufacturers have opted to add PBO (Piperonyl butoxide), a nerve poison or other chemicals. Taking an otherwise safe and useful product and making it unnecessarily toxic.

Neem Oil is one of the least used but most effective pesticide/fungicide s available to the organic gardener.

Next week we will compare the use of organic Vs synthetic fertilizers.

Good Gardening!