Neem oil safe for edible plants?
melissa0607
16 years ago
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mickee311
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Bon-Neem is the same as Neem Oil?
Comments (8)This from Beyond Pesticides (formerly National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides) ...Neem oil: Neem oil is extracted from the tropical neem tree, Azadirachta indica, contains insecticidal properties that are composed of a complex mixture of biologically active compounds. It has a strong, slightly garlic-like odor that some people describe as unpleasant. Its various active ingredients act as repellents, feeding inhibitors, egg laying deterrents, growth retardants, sterilants and direct toxins. Neem has both contact and systemic action in plants. The active ingredients biodegrade rapidly in sunlight and within a few weeks in the soil. Neem oil has very low toxicity to mammals. Clarified hydrophobic extracts of neem oil are used to control some fungal diseases of plants. In India, neem products have been used in toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, and as a grain protectant for centuries without apparent harm to humans. I can't remember which, but some US corp has patented neem oil specifically because of its low toxicity....See MoreNeem Oil - A gardners dream come true? (plant health)
Comments (3)Agreed with Dave on all points, i've seen plant toxicity after a strong Neem concoction was applied. It does not do too much for bacterial spot on peppers in my experience (i alternated Neem for at least 2 years in the past, it was def better than using nothing though). It will kill Japanese beetles after they've ingested sprayed pepper leaves. As for Fungus gnats, i've had previous encounters in my seed trays. The most long lasting solution i've tried is Mosquito Dunks. Break one apart into a gallon of water, shake well & let it sit overnight, then soak your potting soil thoroughly. It takes a couple of weeks and multiple soakings because of their two week life cycle, but you'll never see them again. Dunks employ a certain bacteria so if your tap water is heavy with chlorine/chloramines then neutralize it first with a few drops of lemon juice (Ascorbic acid or Sodium Ascorbate, etc). Steve...See Moreis it ok to spray a plant with neem oil, and then Bayer the next day?
Comments (4)I guess it all depends on how much water your schefflera can safely take right now. I would wait until it needs a good watering to apply the Bayer systemic if that's what you're going to do, since you'll need to water it in or apply in a pre mix solution. Neem and the systemic work differently, so I don't see a problem with using both approaches as long as the soil isn't overly saturated for too long by the treatments. Neem also makes the plant more susceptible to sun burn, so keep that in mind. There will be many generations of aphids on your plant from egg-juvenile-adult, as well as below soil level. Unless you completely saturate the plant and the soil with neem, it won't knock them all out with a single application. Even then, I'm not certain that neem will kill unhatched eggs. And it definitely won't prevent new infestations from happening. I'm not a huge fan of systemic pesticides because they also kill beneficial insects (as does neem), but they are necessary at times to save a plant. A cotton swab dipped in an alcohol solution (or hand sanitizer) will make quick work of those aphids that are visible until you can treat with a systemic. Keep in mind that many systemics come with added fertilizers (designed for shrubs and roses)- which your bonsai may not react well to in its pre-fab concentration. There are a few without fertilizer, I would suggest one of those instead and continue with your own fertilization schedule. I've never used a systemic on smaller plants, just shrubs and roses and a very large copse of prickly pear- all badly infected with various scale insects. I do plan to apply systemic treatment to a potted crested opuntia (almost impossible to manually clean) with scale soon, but am waiting until it shows a spring break of dormancy first, when a soil drench of systemic pesticide solution will be possible. Until then, I'm manually removing the scale as I can once a week to keep things under control. I'm also keeping it separate from other plants to prevent spread of infection. I've found that aphids are often symbiotically socialized with ants that 'farm' them for their honeydew and aggressively protect them from predators. The ants will protect the aphids, almost like shepherds with sheep. Spraying off aphids will eliminate some, but I've also witnessed ants tenderly carrying aphids back to the plant from the soil. It's very sweet, but obnoxious....See MoreWhat plants is neem oil not good for?
Comments (16)"I read the label - several times. 99% of products do not like to mention their problems, the 1% that do are not around long...." If you truly believe that then it is probably best to not use anything on your garden food. Federal regulations on pesticide labeling are so over-whelming and so specific that the label usually ends up being bigger than the bottle the product is in. You don't mention the brand you are using but I pulled up the labels from the three common brands and every single one of them lists hazards to humans and domestic animals, environmental hazards, first aid, precautionary warnings, etc. including warnings about the hazards to bees and other beneficial insects. http://www.bonide.com/assets/Products/Labels/l024.pdf http://www.biconet.com/botanicals/infosheets/70NeemOilLabel.pdf http://www.fertilome.com/ProductFiles/40712%20Neem%20Approved%2005-15-12.pdf The primary ingredient in the product sold for home garden use is 40-70% Clarified Hydrophobic Extract of Neem Oil. Azadiractin is but one component of the tree Melia azadirachta L. foliage and bark. The extraction process used determines how much of that particular compound remains in the oil once processed. Dave...See Morejustaguy2
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomickee311
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomelissa0607
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agojustaguy2
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agokelleyville
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agodigdirt2
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoneognomic
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agonygardener
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoGavs
12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
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