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Neem oil

Neem oil is a cold-pressed extract of the kernels of Azadirachta indica (neem) seeds, standardised by azadirachtin content. It is one of the foundational botanical biopesticides in Indian agriculture, registered under the Insecticides Act 1968 and widely used in organic and IPM programmes.

Composition / Active ingredient

  • Active principle: Azadirachtin (a limonoid; the most active among about 100 triterpenoids in neem seed)
  • Standard strengths in India: 300, 1500, 3000, 5000 and 10000 ppm EC (i.e. 0.03% to 1% w/w azadirachtin)
  • Source: Cold-pressed Azadirachta indica seed kernel, emulsified for spray use

Mode of action

Azadirachtin acts through several mechanisms in parallel rather than a single biochemical site:

  • Antifeedant — disrupts insect feeding behaviour via taste receptors
  • Insect growth regulator (IGR) — blocks ecdysone signalling, preventing moulting
  • Repellent — deters egg-laying
  • Ovicidal and oviposition deterrent on tender eggs
  • Sterilant at high doses

Activity is slow (3-7 days) compared with synthetic chemistry, and works best on early instar larvae and soft-bodied sucking pests.

Target use and dose

Neem oil is used across cotton, vegetables, pulses, fruits, paddy and ornamentals against:

  • Aphids, jassids, whitefly, thrips, mites (sucking pests)
  • Early-instar caterpillars, leaf miners
  • Egg masses of Helicoverpa and Spodoptera

Foliar rates depend on a.i. strength: 2-5 ml/L for 1500 ppm formulations, 0.5-1 ml/L for 10000 ppm products. Neem oil is a standard component of natural-farming product lines such as DCBA Raksha alongside panchagavya, neem cake and cocopit.

Safety and regulatory status

CIBRC-registered under the Insecticides Act 1968 with a green-band "Caution" label. Compatible with most beneficials and pollinators when sprayed in the evening, and approved for use in organic-certified production. It is not a stand-alone substitute for hard chemistry in severe outbreaks, but is a key rotation partner with Emamectin Benzoate, Spinosad Spinetoram Larvicides and Flonicamid Ulala in IPM.

See also: Emamectin Benzoate, Spinosad Spinetoram Larvicides, Flonicamid Ulala, Input Copper Oxychloride.

References

  1. Margo Neem 1500 (Azadirachtin 0.15% EC). BigHaat.
  2. Econeem Plus Azadirachtin 10000 ppm Biopesticide. BigHaat.