SEE ALSO
NeemAzal®–T/S The Organic Insecticide
Mode of Action
NeemAzal-T/S contains NeemAzal, the purified active ingredient of the kernel seeds of the tropical Neem tree Azadirachta indica A. Juss. The active substance penetratesthe leaves and is distributed partially systemic in the plant; the pest insects take it up orally upon feeding (sucking or biting).
NeemAzal-T/S has a special mode of action. It stops the insect feeding and plant damaging activity. However, a "knock down" effect should not be expected. Within a few hours after application of NeemAzal-T/S pest insects become inactive and after a few days the population does not develop any longer and collapses. After the treatment with NeemAzal-T/S larvae react with feeding and moulting inhibition and mortality; adult (beetle) show feeding inhibition, infertility and to a lesser degree mortality.
As a result of this comparatively slow "insectistatic" mode of action of NeemAzal-T/S a final assessment of the treatment should be done 7-10 days after application under practical conditions. The number of dead pest insects is not necessarily an evaluation criterion. For the assessment the following criteria are appropriate: loss of leaf mass, damage to leaves, formation of honey dew, yield of crops, development of the pest population, positive effects on beneficials.
The success of the application with NeemAzal-T/S depends on the progress of the pest infestation and adequate timing of the treatment. In the case of a temporary infestation and synchronous development of pest populations one application per generation/season is generally sufficient (under European climatic conditions, usually one or two generations, for example: appearance of fundatrices of the Rosy Apple Aphid Dysaphis plantaginea, first adults of Elder Bush Aphid Aphis sambuci(Hom., Aphididae), first young larvae of Colorado Beetles Leptinotarsa decemlineata, beginning of flight of Cockchafers Melolontha sp.).In case of a permanent infestation (several generations - Aphids, Thrips, White Flies, Spider Mites etc.) repetitive applications are required. The interval between the treatments is5-7 or 10-14 days and depends on the climatic conditions and infestation pressure. NeemAzal-T/S is harmless for most beneficials - they are an important factor in the control of the remainder of the pest population. NeemAzal-T/S can favorably be combined with the use of beneficials in the plant protection system.