What Does Neem Oil (Azadirachta Indica) Mean?
Neem oil is made from the seeds and fruits of the evergreen neem tree (Azadirachta Indica) which grows in its native habitat on the Indian continent. The tree has also been naturalized in a variety of tropical locations around the world.
In horticulture, neem oil is a natural way to treat pest infestations such as thrips, aphids, mites, nematodes, and whiteflies. Interestingly, neem oil is not harmful to beneficial insects. It is considered an organic pesticide and fungicide. It effectively treats black spot and powdery mildew.
Maximum Yield Explains Neem Oil (Azadirachta Indica)
To obtain neem oil, seeds from the neem tree are crushed, and then combined with water or a solvent.
Neem oil is widely known for, used, and valued for its many medicinal properties. It has been used as an antiseptic, antihistamine, and an antifungal remedy. In addition to medicinal uses, neem oil is also used in gardening as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.
Neem oil has been horticulturally used for centuries. Neem oil can be regularly used on plants to control fungi and pathogens that can damage the plants. It can even be mixed with water and applied to the plant’s root system to prevent and treat root rot.
When used a preventative measure, neem oil should be applied to the plant every 10 days as a foliar spray or a root rinse. Ideally, the oil should be used as a scheduled preventative measure during the plant’s growth phase.
Neem-oil is considered a non-systemic pesticide, meaning it's not absorbed by a plant and works from the inside out; rather, it is applied topically, and kills pests on contact, first by smothering them. Also, unlike many chemical pesticides, neem oil will not harm beneficial garden insects like earthworms, butterflies, and honeybees. However, neem oil should not be sprayed directly on these beneficial insects. In addition, neem oil is considered to be nontoxic to humans (and other animals) so it can be used on crops and flowering plants.
Growers should avoid using neem oil on cannabis plants three weeks prior harvest. If the oil is used too close to harvest time, it can affect the flavor of the plant. Because neem oil is 100% natural, it is widely considered safe for use on marijuana plants. However, it should be noted that there are those who believe the use of neem oil may be linked to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome.
