It is effective and economical, since you can grow your own Neem tree and produce the extract with little effort, said Arnold A. Route, NMC-CREES Neem project-head and agriculture extension agent.
“It’s safe for the environment. That’s the reason why we came up with the idea of the botanical pesticide. Because it’s safe for you and me as well as for the animals,” he added.
Neem is a fast growing tree that reaches a height of about 50 to 65 feet. This tropical or subtropical tree originates from India and grows in nearly any kind of soil.
It can be planted in any location with full sun. Its extract is known to control more than 120 species of insects and works on the hormone-system of insects. In lower doses it prevents them from feeding and procreating. In higher doses it can kill insects.
However, beneficial insects like bees or ladybugs are not likely to be negatively affected by Neem extract.
Compared to conventional pesticides, Neem extract degrades rapidly and doesn’t reside on plants for long.
“It has compounds that are medicinal,” said Dr. Marisol Quintanilla, NMC-CREES entomologist-nematologist.
“Arnold and I are part of the plant protection program at NMC-CREES. We are interested in controlling pests. Neem has certain compounds that prevent insects from laying eggs or sometimes prevent insects from molting. Neem extract can also prevent insects from reproducing,” she added.
The Neem leaf extract can be made at home with the following ingredients: one pound Neem leaves, one quart water, and two ounces generic dish soap.
Blend Neem leaves gently using a kitchen blender. Put it in a pot. Add one quart of water. Cover the pot with a cotton cloth and let it stand for three days. After three days, strain the extract to get a clear liquid. Dilute one pint of Neem extract with three quarts of water. Add two ounces of dish soap and stir well. Spray the home made biological pesticide on pest infested plants.
To make Neem seed extract, use two pounds of Neem seeds, two quarts water, and one ounce dish soap using the same procedure but dilute one quart of the extract with nine quarts of water. Add one ounce of dish soap. Stir well and spray it on infested plants.
Although Neem is a safe pest control alternative, pregnant women or women planning to get pregnant should not spray Neem.
Neem is easily propagated from cuttings. Cut a small twig out of the tree and simply stick it on the soil. It will quickly develop into seedlings that can be transplanted.
“Neem has the benefit of being safe, cheap and effective. This is something that can be grown in somebody’s house,” Quintanilla said.
The NMC-CREES Neem project started in 2008 with 600 plants. About 400 have already been distributed to interested individuals.
Neem seedlings can be obtained at NMC-CREES for free. For more information, call Arnold A. Route at 234-5498, extension 1432.
