Neem oil for plants. 5 Effective Ways to Use it. Natural Insect Repellent and Biological Protection
Neem oil, also known as Neem or Neem, comes from the seeds of the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), which is native to South Asia. This natural product has been used for centuries in various applications, mainly in agriculture and horticulture, as an insect repellent and plant protectant. With its insect, fungus and pest control benefits, Neem oil for plants is a popular choice for those who prefer natural solutions to chemical sprays. In this article, we’ll look at how neem oil is used in plants, how you can make homemade insect repellent solutions, and what its main uses are.
What is neem oil and how does it work?
Neem oil is a natural insecticide derived from the seeds of the neem tree. Its main active substance is azadirachtin, which discourages insects and disrupts their life cycle. Azadirachtin affects insects by causing loss of appetite, stunted growth and eventually death. It also prevents reproduction, making neem oil effective in preventing and treating pests.
Benefits of using neem oil for plants
Natural insect repellent with neem oil is safe for the environment, animals and humans. Eliminates insects naturally without harming beneficial insects such as bees.
Effective against various pests: It can be used to control many types of insects, such as aphids, whiteflies, mites and beetles.
Antifungal properties: Neem oil can help prevent and treat plant diseases caused by fungi, such as powdery mildew.
Easy to use: Can be easily mixed with water for application to plants by spraying.
Safe for organic cultivation: As a natural product, neem oil is compatible with organic cultivation practices and does not affect the quality of the products.
How neem oil is used in plants
Using neem oil for plants is quite simple and usually involves preparing a spray, which is applied to the leaves, branches and soil of the plants. Below are the steps for preparing and applying neem oil:
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons neem oil (cold-pressed or organic)
- 1 liter of water (preferably distilled or filtered)
- 1/2 teaspoon unscented liquid soap (as an emulsifier)
Preparation steps:
- Mixing the ingredients: In a spray bottle, mix the neem with the water and add the soap. The soap helps disperse the oil in the water, making it easier to apply the spray to the plants.
- Shake: Shake the mixture well to combine all the ingredients and create a uniform spray.
- Application: Spray the plants in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid direct exposure to the sun, which can cause leaf burns. Pay particular attention to areas where insects congregate, such as the undersides of leaves and stems.
Use and Frequency:
- Use the spray once a week to prevent pests.
- For existing pests, apply the spray every 3-4 days until the insects disappear.
Homemade Neem Oil Insect Repellent Recipes
You can adjust the amount of neem oil and other ingredients according to your needs and the pests you want to treat. Below are two neem oil spray recipes.
Recipe A – Spray for aphids and whiteflies
Materials:
- 5ml neem oil
- 1 liter of water
- 2 drops of liquid soap
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a sprayer and apply the spray to your plants twice a week. It is particularly effective against aphids and whiteflies that often attack horticultural plants.
Recipe B – Neem Oil Spray for Mites and Beetles
Materials:
- 10ml neem oil
- 1 liter of water
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
Directions: Mix the ingredients and spray the affected areas. Neem oil in combination with baking soda helps fight insects and fungus, making this spray a powerful solution for plants that face many problems.
Points of caution
- Do not spray in heat: Spraying in strong sunlight can cause leaf burn.
- Do tests: Before general use of the spray, spray a small part of the plant and wait 24 hours to make sure there is no negative reaction.
- Storage: Store neem oil in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency.
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