Botanical
insecticides for effective plant protection
Neem is a very popular
tree, yielding a number of insecticides derived from its leaves, bark and seeds. Botanical
insecticides are the most cost effective and environmentally safe inputs in integrated
pest management (IPM) strategies. There are about 3000 plants and trees with insecticidal
and repellant properties in the world, and India is home to about 70% of this floral
wealth, according to Dr. P. Narayanasamy, Professor of Entomology at the College of
Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. The neem seed kernel extracts,
neem oil, extracts from the leaves and barks have all been used since ancient times to
keep scores of insect pests at bay. Neem oil and extracts are also extensively used in
ayurvedic medicine and veterinary medicine. A number of commercial neem-based insecticides
are now available and they have displaced several toxic chemical insecticides.
Neem derivatives are
now extensively used in integrated pest management strategies. The use of neem leaves and
powdered kernels in managing the pests of stored products and grains is also well known.
Powdered neem cake is widely used in ecological farms as a sound soil amendment to act as
a source of nutrients and also an insecticide to manage the soil-borne pests and
pathogens.
Agricultural
scientists have found that neem products can be used to effectively manage over 120
different insect species that attack crops and stored products. Thus neem retains its
unique place among the plant kingdom as the most popular botanical insecticide and
repellant used in agriculture of the past and present.
Agricultural
scientists have found that neem products can be used to effectively manage over 120
different insect species that attack crops and stored products. Thus neem retains its
unique place among the plant kingdom as the most popular botanical insecticide and
repellant used in agriculture of the past and present.
A number of plants are
also used as trap crops and as repellants. Simple extracts from these plants (either from
the leaves, barks or seeds) are used as insecticides and repellants. Farmers should pay
particular attention while using botanical insecticides for effective management of the
crop pests. They should use freshly prepared formulations.
(Courtesy- The Hindu) |
