Is neem oil superior to insecticial soaps and horticultural oils?
username_5
18 years ago
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Kimmsr
18 years agorpellegrini
18 years agoRelated Discussions
Horticultural oil, Bt, or FE to control leafroller caterpillar?
Comments (3)tantanman, Thank you so much for your post and insight regarding your use of Bt (I'm assuming the 'K' strain bacillus) on orange dog caterpillars. Fortunately and as far as I'm aware, we here in the Bay Area aren't as affected with citrus leaf miners as our poor friends in SoCal/San Diego who must rely on harsher systemic insecticides like Imidacloprid. So, I should be able to use Bt on my species of leafrollers with similar positive results as you. Shortly/immediately after my initial post (and since no useful remedies were offered here), I went to my local nursery and did indeed purchase (among other things) some Bt(k), and had/have every intention of using during the growing season. However, I was still concerned that multiple applications of BT might need to be administered (as you confirm above) for full control. I wanted to knock out ALL current eating caterpillars. What I also purchased at the garden center was horticultural oil (HO) and Neem oil. Neem oil, I'd read, acts as a powerful anti-feedant and synthetic hormone that disrupts insects' metamorphic life cycle (so that they can't progress to the next stage). HO, in addition to smothering insects (so that they in essence can't breathe) like scales, mites, etc., also targets caterpillar eggs (so I'd read!). Perfect, I thought, but not knowing what to apply first (Neem or HO), I applied both - first the Neem, followed by the HO the next day (late afternoon) after the Need had dried. Well it's been a week, and I'm happy to report that not only have the scales on my one potted Meyer almost fully dried out, but I don't see any evidence of caterpillars (I just checked!) on any of the three in-ground Meyers or Trovita! For safe measure, I'm going to re-apply the Neem again today, since I've read it breaks down fairly quickly from the sun's UV rays. Hereafter, I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I could certainly commence with using Bt on a periodic basis come the growing season; however, as I alluded above, there are many on this forum who have used FE to control other insects (though I don't recall seeing any mention of its use on caterpillars). There's anecdotal evidence that it may act similar to HO by the oil smothering insects. So, I may (instead of using Bt in Spring) just do the experiment and try the weekly applications of FE and see what happens (plus, I'm really curious what the answer will be!). Also, I kinda like the added benefit that FE has as a foliar fertilizer... If I end up using FE, I'll post an update on its effects on caterpillars at some point in the future (and whether or not I had to rely on Bt after all!). Tim...See MoreBon-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
Comments (7)I thought that was the idea of useing Neem oil that it let the leaves breath?? I am off work tomorrow and I plan to sit down with them and then make up my mind on weather to use what Karyn said to use or to use the neem oil... I don't know if I can wipe them and not get any water into the soil of the rootings but I am going to give it a try... I had no problems until I brought these into the house for winter.. Karyn, do I use alcohol/liquid soap for a few days in a row or do I use it once then rinse a few days in a row? It rained her lastnight so this may also help for the potted ones... See you all after work. Susan...See MoreBT or Neem Oil for Citrus? Best ORGANIC/OMRI Spray for Citrus?
Comments (10)Neem or Hort oil does not help much with CLM. Spinosad does work very well against CLM and is organic. Bonide's "Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew" is Spinosad and probably one of the most common brand you'll find. It works well on most any chewing insect. Doesn't work as well on sucking insects like aphid and scale, but is the best for Citrus Leaf Miner. It is a trans-laminate, which means it seeps down into the leaf between the cell walls so when the miner chews through the cell wall it ingests the Spinosad and so is dispatched. It's the only organic control that will get the CLM when it is already inside the leaf. Neem oil and Hort oil works very well against Aphid and Scale and other sucking insects, and works pretty well against Spider Mites....See MoreOrganic_johnny
18 years agousername_5
18 years agousername_5
18 years agodianamagic
18 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
18 years agoOrganic_johnny
18 years agojsfink
18 years agoRebecca May
3 years ago
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