On Sat, 21 Jun 2003 13:42:35 -0500, "John T. Jarrett"
wrote:

Does anyone use Neem Oil as a soil drench for systemic effect?

http://www.trifolio-m.de/pflanzensch...mic_effect.pdf

ABSTRACT The systemic effects of neem on the western ßower thrips,
Frankliniella occidentalis
(Pergande), were investigated in laboratory trials using green bean,
Phaseolus vulgaris L., in arena and
microcosm experiments. In arena experiments, systemic effects of neem
against western ßower thrips
larvae on primary bean leaves were observed withmaximum corrected
mortality of 50.6%. In
microcosm experiments using bean seedlings, higher efÞcacy in the
control of western ßower thrips
were observed withsoil applications of neem on a substrate mixture
(i.e., Fruhstorfer Erde, Type P,
and sand) in a 1:1 ratio (93% corrected mortality) compared
withapplication on the commercial
substrate only (76% corrected mortality). However, longer persistence
of neem was observed with
soil application on the commercial substrate, which showed effects
against thrips for up to 6 d after
application. In addition to systemic effects observed on all
foliage-feeding stages of western ßower
thrips, mortality on contact and repellent effects were observed on
soil-inhabiting stages after soil
applications of neem. Finally, bean seedlings grown from seeds
pregerminated for 3 d in neem
emulsion were also toxic to western ßower thrips.

"As crude a weapon as a cave man's club the chemical barrage has been hurled at the fabric of life."
Rachel Carson



tomj