North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Deirdre Birmingham" <deirdreb@mindspring.com>]

Speaking of research, and Stephen, you are probably already aware of this,
there is the Organic Farming Research Foundation found at www.ofrf.org. 
They have a listing of the research projects they have supported.  There
are well over 20 on tree fruits, with 16 on apples alone.  I don't recall
if any of them looked at Neem.  One has looked at Surround.  But they do
also post the research results on their website and report them in their
newsletter, the OFRF Information Bulletin. Certified organic farmers
receive the Bulletin free of charge automatically.  But they are available
to others as well upon request.  

They are also building a database in collaboration with a few land-grant
universities called organicaginfo.org.  One can do keyword searches.  You
can find it on the OFRF homepage.

Growers can submit research grant requests to them.  There are several now
on-going in tree fruits.  One is Jim Koan's in MI looking at guinea fowl in
controlling the "dreaded plum curculio."  

OFRF does not intend to be the end all in organic farming research but
while providing some small grant opportunities, they have been doing the
heavy lifting over the last 15 years to get the USDA to fund organic
farming research.  It is now starting to happen.  And the work continues to
expand on that front. 

--Deirdre

Deirdre Birmingham
zone 4b
Mineral Point, WI  

> [Original Message]
> From: Stephen Sadler <Docshiva@Docshiva.org>
> To: North American Fruit Explorers <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
> Date: 6/9/2005 3:56:24 PM
> Subject: RE: [NAFEX] Neem and Surround
>
> I do try, as a contributor to this list, to help people differentiate
> between organic products that work, e.g. Neem oil, and those that don't,
> e.g. snake oil.
>
> One shouldn't assume that natural is better, nor should one assume that
> natural/organic is ineffective.  Rather, look at the efficacy, cost
> efficiency, and environmental effects of the individual products.
>
> There are many products around that simply don't do what they claim, or
have
> never been tested at all for their intended actions.  Products in that
> latter category may or may not work, but why waste money on something
> unproven?  Later research may show them effective, but in the mean time,
> they would sure not be my first line of defense.  
>
> In the letter I think may have inspired Don, I think clove, thyme, and
> orange oils were mentioned.  I've discussed how and why orange oil works.
> Clove oil is very active biologically - it can have an effect on many
> organisms.  Humans use it to numb mouth sores and decaying teeth.  In high
> concentrations it does break down plant cell walls, and can act as an
> herbicide.  Thyme oil is, in the lab, broadly antifungal; but I have
found,
> as yet, no evidence that it is helpful in farming, orcharding, or
gardening.
> I await the studies.  BTW, there are surely studies out there, which
address
> efficacy of organic methods, that I just haven't found.  Please bring
> relevant ones to my attention.  I don't care whether they support what
I've
> posted or not - I just like to see the research.
>
> As for rubber degrading when exposed to Neem oil - I don't think it's the
> Neem.  I suspect there was some orange oil in the mix, and rubber doesn't
> care for orange oil.  A sprayer might do okay with an insecticidal
> soap/orange oil blend, as the orange oil will want to stay with the soap
> rather than linger on the rubber parts, but still - clean afterward
whenever
> you spray with something containing any solvent, including orange.  If you
> want to condition the rubber parts, use a Q-tip to apply some glycerine.  
>
> Stephen Sadler, Ph.D.
> USDA 9, AHS heat zone 8, 
> Sacramento CA - Mediterranean climate
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nafex-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
> [mailto:nafex-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of kieran or donna
> Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2005 6:13 AM
> To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
> Subject: [NAFEX] Neem and Surround
>
> It's too late for me this year, but thank you all for your discussion of
> Neem as repellent, and esp the combination.  I was just too discouraged
> after last year's rain constantly washing off the Surround, and the very
few
> fruit that actually escaped the curculios.  Next year, I will be prepared.
> What about the complaint that Neem eats up rubber parts in sprayers?  Only
> one person complained a year or two back, no one else seems to mention it.
> Do I have to be sure to wash my sprayer out well after using Neem?
>     And my thanks to Don Yellman for reminding us all about Oil of Snake.
I
> have used many and various products containing this wonder ingredient, and
> always noted that it didn't work as well after the first few doses. Now I
> tend to be a bit more cautious in my purchases.    Donna
>
>
>
>
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