How to Make Neem Insecticide from Neem Leaves (Dogoyaro)
Neem leaves also called Dogoyaro in Nigeria is one wonderful Gift from Nature whose use transcends several fields like: medicine & healthcare, culinary, agriculture, beauty & cosmetics, etc.
According to definition, Neem is a natural herb that comes from the neem tree, other names for which include Azadirachta indica and Indian lilac. The extract comes from the seeds of the tree and has many different traditional uses.
Another definition says, Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, nimtree or Indian lilac, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is typically grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions.
Neem is known for its pesticidal and insecticidal properties, but people also use it in hair and dental products. Meaning that aside from making insecticides from neem leaves, pesticides can also be produced from neem leaves. Neem powder is also one of the products from neem.
The Neem tree stays evergreen all year round. It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, predominant in tropical and semi-tropical regions of the world.
It’s a unique green treasure as every part of the tree is useful. One of its uses is as a natural insecticide/pesticide. Scientific research indicates that Neem extracts can influence nearly 300 species of insects. Thus, it has great relevance in organic farming practices.
Azadirachtin is the most active component found in Neem. It acts as a repellant, interferes with insect hormone systems, making it harder for insects to grow / lay eggs; and disrupts feeding. Therefore, Neem Seed Oil (Neem oil) can kill insects at varying stages and can be used as a dormant-season application to kill pests and eggs.
It is effective against nematodes by preventing the larvae from hatching. It works on arthropod pests that often eat vegetables, including tomato hornworms, corn earthworm, aphids and whiteflies
The recipe for the application of Neem seed oil as an insecticide varies. We have found Neem Seed Oil otherwise known as neem oil to be a more effective/potent pesticide when combined with Neem Tea (fermented neem leaves).
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The Making of Neem Tea
Strip Neem leaves from the branches and macerate using a food processor, by pounding, cutting/ chopping. Place the Neem leaves in a container and cover with water – use three-parts macerated neem leaves to one-part water or sieve to separate the neem leaves and filter the Neem Tea (caution – IT SMELLS REALLY AWFUL!).
The decanted neem leaves can be used for compost or placed around your plant roots.
Recipe for Neem Insecticide
Below is the recipe for neem insecticide production. Please kindly note that this recipe is for or an 8-liter brew.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Neem Oil
- ¼ Cup Black Soap (natural soap with plant oils – ensure your source is genuine)
- 8 liters of Neem Tea
Steps: - Mix all ingredients together thoroughly in your Back-Pack Sprayer
- Spray on plants.
Note : For infected Plants, we recommend a daily application until the Plants are revived.
As a preventive measure, we recommend a weekly regimen.
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In Summary
Neem, (Azadirachta indica), also called nim or margosa, fast-growing tree of the mahogany family (Meliaceae), valued as a medicinal plant, as a source of organic pesticides, and for its timber. Neem is likely native to the Indian subcontinent and to dry areas throughout South Asia.
It has been introduced to parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and numerous counties in South and Central America. The plant has long been used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine and is used in cosmetics and in organic farming applications.
Plant Description
Neem trees can reach 15–30 metres (49–98 feet) in height and have attractive rounded crowns and thick furrowed bark. The compound leaves have toothed leaflets and are typically evergreen but do drop during periods of extreme drought.
The small fragrant white flowers are bisexual or staminate (male) and are borne in clusters in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a smooth yellow-green drupe and has a sweet-flavoured pulp.
Neem is usually grown from seed but can be propagated from cuttings or root suckers. The plant is hardy and resilient and grows well in poor, rocky soils. Neem tolerates a wide variety of environmental conditions but cannot survive freezing temperatures or being waterlogged.
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