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- From: "Stephen Sadler" <Docshiva@Docshiva.org>
- To: "'North American Fruit Explorers'" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
- Subject: RE: [NAFEX] neem oil
- Date: Sat, 4 Jun 2005 16:35:35 -0700
The method of action of citrus oils is
similar to that of insecticidal soaps – they flood through the bodies of
the insects and disrupt their biologic processes. Citrus oils contain
strong solvents that have the property of being able to permeate the skin of
hard-shelled insects such as ants. They then dissolve the wax surfactant
in the bugs’ lungs, so they suffocate. Neem has many bioactive compounds.
They do not work the same as those in citrus, and the plant is unrelated.
The insecticidal compounds in neem are terpenoid compounds, which interfere with
molting, thus preventing juvenile insects from reaching adulthood and
reproducing. Other compounds in neem are antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory,
and antibacterial. Neem has a deserved reputation for synergy.
Frequently a combination of Neem and another organic pesticide will work better
than either alone. Yes, neem does have bug repellant
properties. Bugs have necessarily evolved an ability to sense the
presence of things containing chemicals that would kill them. Stephen Sadler, Ph.D. USDA 9, AHS heat zone 8, From:
nafex-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:nafex-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Michelle Horner As I sprayed my orchard with Surround and Neem oil tank
mix--I recalled some fellow Nafexer last year saying if he never smelled Neem
oil again it would be too soon. I like to think it is a slightly
citrus-ie odor. Which brings me to a question: What is it that
makes these new orange oil products so useful? Might that be also what
makes Neem seem to be a "bug-away" thing in addition to its labeled
miticide, mildew-cide? I've sprayed both Surround and Neem solo and it
does not seem to be as effective; but the combo seems to even keep the dreaded
plum curculio at bay! So, I wonder one step further. Does that slightly
citrus odor confuse bugs; or is it similar to pheromones on a grandee scale? What's the speculation? Michelle Horner zone 4/5 |
-
[NAFEX] neem oil,
Michelle Horner, 06/04/2005
-
[NAFEX] planting depth for apricot,
list, 06/04/2005
- Re: [NAFEX] planting depth for apricot, Richard J. Ossolinski, 06/04/2005
- Re: [NAFEX] neem oil, Richard J. Ossolinski, 06/04/2005
-
RE: [NAFEX] neem oil,
Stephen Sadler, 06/04/2005
- Re: [NAFEX] neem oil, Doreen Howard, 06/04/2005
- <Possible follow-up(s)>
- [NAFEX] neem oil, Michelle Horner, 06/05/2005
-
[NAFEX] planting depth for apricot,
list, 06/04/2005
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