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Neem oil soap - an overview:
Neem
oil constitutes vitamin E and few essential
amino acids that drives it to exhibit an
outstanding property of a moisturizer and
therefore, used as an organic soap in personal
care. It is previously known that neem oil
contains azadirachtin, an anti-pest constituent,
can be used at fields also in the form of
soaps. Consequently, Neem oil soap
plays a dual role when it comes to its application.
It exhibits anti-fungal, anti-bacterial
and anti-septic properties that make it
essential for soaps.
Making of neem oil is simply done by solidifying
the mixture of melted glycerin, neem oil
and certain other essential fragrant oils
with definite proportions. Neem
oil soap as an insecticide used to control
over 50 types of farm insects. This form
of neem oil is not an ingested type of insecticide,
i.e. it does not terminate the insect on
its feeding, but it degrades the exoskeleton
of insects on spray affecting the membranes
that are lying below. It is also used as
a fungicide for e.g.: Powdery
mildew fungi patches over leaves can
be treated using neem oil soap. An added
advantage of this soap spray is; it reduces
the resistive capability of the insect species
towards general insecticides.
Research reveals; use of neem oil soap spray
is effective in controlling insects such
as spider
mites, aphids, lace bugs, mealy bugs,
grasshoppers, Japanese
beetles, caterpillars, whiteflies, crickets,
thrips and gypsy moths.
Guidelines:
Certain principles need to be followed in
using neem oil soap for better use beyond
risks. Firstly, considering the risk factors
on spraying; it is highly risky over the
freshly rooted transplants and plants exposed
to intensive sunlight. It is not advised
to use in arid regions where the temperature
is over 100F. Direct application of spray
on leaves during the mid-sunny day can cause
leaf curls and wilts.
During the flowering season, reduce its
routine to protect the flowers from curls
as well. Plants like Chestnut, peas, mountain
ash, gardenia, lantana, Japanese maple and
Jade cannot abide with neem oil at any conditions.
Make sure that the oil spray is not used
as insecticide in farms and gardens having
the above foliage even though it is said
to be organic.
Concentration depends upon the type of field
conditions. Strictly use EPA certified product
for better and effective results. Registered
products are of course provided with directions
for novice, especially to follow with ease.
Author: Adam Teaser - neem
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