On Sun, 22 Jun 2003 01:08:27 GMT, animaux wrote:

or systemic in the way you mean.

http://www.neemfoundation.org/intro.htm

In spite of high selectivity, neem derivatives affect ca. 400 to 500
species of insects belonging to Blattodea, Caelifera, Coleoptera,
Dermaptera, Diptera, Ensifera, Hetroptera, Homoptera, Hymenoptera,
Isoptera, Lepidoptera, Phasmida, Phthiraptera, Siphonoptera, and
Thysanoptera, on species of ostracod, several species of mites and
nematodes, and even noxious snails and fungi, including
aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus. Results of field trials in
some major food crops in tropical countries will illustrate the value
of neem-based pest management for enhancing agricultural productivity
in Asia and Africa

There's a lot of indications and some research that Neem IS a
systemic....

Neem Oil organic insecticide/miticide and insect repellent, fungal
disease inhibitor.

Note that Neem is not a contact insecticide, it is effective for
spraying on plants that problem insects are feeding on. If you need a
contact insecticide that uses organic substances, Rotenone-Pyrethrin
spray is an excellent choice.

Neem is an insecticide derived from the neem tree native to the Middle
East where it has been used as an insecticide for centuries. It is
biodegradeable and of very low toxicity even used in toothpaste and
pharmaceuticals. Neem contains more than 25 active compounds that
combat insects. Neem also works as a systemic which is absorbed into
the plant to be ingested by feeding insects. Many beneficial insects
are unharmed by Neem because they do not feed from the plant. Neem
Oil is also considered effective preventative of mildew, rust,
anthracose, rust, leaf spot, botrytis, scab and alternaria. More
information is available at the Neem Foundation Web Site.

As an insecticide, Neem has three modes of action:

Anti-feedent: Neem suppressed the insect's desire to feed and,
therefore, no damage is caused.
Repellent: Insects simply stay away from areas sprayed with Neem and,
therefore, no damage is caused.
Insect Growth Regulator: Neem disrupts the insect's delicate hormonal
balance so it dies before it molts to the next life stage.
Neem can be used on house plants, ornamentals, vegetables, trees and
lawns. Apply as a foliar spray or as a soil drench for systemic
control. Please refer to the list below for insects that Neem Oil can
be expected to control.


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



tomj