Neem Concentrations Research Articles

Effectiveness of Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Plant Extract Compared with Albendazole on the Vitality of Hydatid Cyst Protoscolices (In Vitro)

The cestode worm Echinococcus granulosus larval stage parasitically infects humans and animals' livers and lungs, causing cystic echinococcosis. Surgery with scolicidal agents to inactivate live protoscolices is the main treatment for cystic echinococcosis (CE). An extract of neem tree leaves was chosen to treat this parasite that causes this disease, and its effects were laboratory tested on the vitality of the primary fungi, which is infective to humans, taken from the livers of infected sheep in the holy governorate of Karbala. This study used four concentrations of alcoholic neem tree leaf extract (1.250, 2.500, 5.000, and 10.000) ppm to count protoscolices in 5microliter volumes before and after treatment and compare them to albendazole. All concentrations of Neem leaves extract were effective, but 10,000 ppm was the most effective, as the percentage of mortality reached 100% after 30 minutes. The lower concentration of 1,250 ppm caused 90.62 % after 240 minutes. The above shows that Neem plant extracts inhibited protoscolices growth in all treatments. Due to its wide range of chemicals and biologically active compounds, which affect parasite cell mitochondrial membranes and cause apoptosis, many scholars call it the tree of the future.

Comparison of healing activity between azadirachta indica and moringa oleifera seed oils on cutaneous wounds in wistar rats

Medicinal plants are natural remedies that bring benefits to the organism. Phytomedicine’s production has increased in the last decades due to the adverse reactions of designer drugs. This research focused on basic principles that rule the scarification of wounds as a natural response to the damages produced with specific functions of tissue restoration and integrity. For this reason the acceleration of the scarring effect with Azadirachta indica seeds oil and Moringa was studied. Nine groups of animals were made: normal, negative and negative control, three Neem groups, three Moringa groups (30, 60.120 µl) respectively. The wound was made after placing the animal under anesthesia using the punch method. For seven days, these groups were observed while they received the treatment. After the test, the animals were euthanized, and scarred skin tissue samples were collected for histopathologic tests. As a result, after the second day, the concentration of Neem tested 4,38 mg/ml showed humity and inflammation of 73% and 76% respectively, which eventually dropped to zero. The presence of crust in the third day was 20% and in the sixth, 100%. On the other hand, concerning to the Moringa oil 4,48 mg/ml, no significant changes could be seen in any of the evaluated parameters. Comparing the percentages of the crust coverage among these groups, it can be said that: natural scarification(B) 10% the third day and 40% at the end of the research. The subjects treated with neem (E) 30% the third day and 100% the sixth, while D, F 80% the same day and 100% the seventh, the same as seen in C (iodine). The groups with Moringa presented 10% in the third day and 60% by the end. In conclusion, the groups with neem showed acceleration in the scarification process within the experimentation period.

Efficacy of Plant Extracts for the Control of Pepper Insect Pest (Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae L.)

Aphids pose significant threats to crop productivity, necessitating effective and sustainable pest management strategies. This study investigated the repellent properties of neem and papaya leaf extracts on green peach aphids and the impact of the extracts on plant growth in pepper (Capsicum spp.). The experiment involved 7 treatments and 3 treatment replications with varying concentrations of neem and papaya extracts (6.5 v:v, 7.5 v:v, and 8.5 v:v) compared to a control group (Distilled water). The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used as an experimental design. The study site was Cuttington University’s College of Agriculture Research site. The distances between plots and blocks were 0.6 m and 1 m, correspondingly. In the laboratory bioassay, results uncovered distinct trends, with the control treatment exhibiting the highest mean aphid count (41.0), while neem 8.5 v:v (6.0) and papaya 8.5 v:v (8.1) treatments established substantial effectiveness in reducing aphid populations. The highest mean aphid counts following biopesticidal application were 48.0 and 76.7 after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively and were recorded in the untreated control plots, while the lowest mean aphid counts were 21.3 and 6.0 after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively. Furthermore, neem 8.5 v:v treatment consistently showed the highest mean values across plant height (16.2 cm), leaf length (8.2 cm), leaf width (5.2 cm), and repellency index (3.0), indicating potential positive impacts on plant growth and repellency. Untreated control measured the lowest values for plant height (13.8 cm), leaf length (6.0 cm) and repellency index (1.0). The study demonstrated the potential of both extracts to suppress aphid populations and enhance plant growth. Applying these natural extracts as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy can be beneficial for controlling aphid infestations in pepper crops. Their use as repellents can reduce aphid populations, minimizing potential crop damage and yield losses.

EMPLOYING MALE ANNIHILATION OR BAIT APPLICATION TECHNIQUES TO SUPPRESS THE PEACH FRUIT FLY, BACTROCERA ZONATA (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE)

Guava (Psidium guajava) is one of the important crops of tropical regions and a major source of antioxidants and fibers. Peach fruit fly (PFF) Bactrocera zonata is a pest of many fruit crops like guava. The purpose was to extract the most efficient method among MAT, BAT, or Botanicals by considering their mortality in 24, 48, 72, and 96-hour intervals. In both BAT and Botanicals, the efficiency of extracts of Neem (A. indica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Citrus, and Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) at concentrations (100%, 50%, and 25%) was observed. We placed 39 traps in the field with 4 different treatments, 3 concentrations having 3 replicates along with control. Maximum mortality after 24 hours at 100% concentration of Neem was 69.91% and minimum mortality (13.91%) was observed at 25% concentration of Parthenium. While mortality ranged for A. indica (58.12% - 31.78%), M. oleifera (44.01 - 22.68), Citrus (40.21 - 19.67) and P. hysterophorus (34.11 - 13.91). Citrus and moringa showed moderate mortality. In the present study, the percentage of mortality was much higher at the highest concentration of neem when compared with the control treatment. The study revealed that all the measures gave satisfactory results and proved to be more efficient, while botanicals were least significant.

COMPARISON OF ISOLATES OF Phytophthora colocasiae Raciborski FROM DIVERSE ALTITUDES AND APPRAISAL OF PLANT EXTRACTS FOR ITS MANAGEMENT IN VITRO

Leaf blight disease caused by Phytophthora colocasiae Raciborski is a serious constraint to taro production. This study was carried out to characterize the isolates of P. colocasiae from Makurdi, Nigeria and Befang, Cameroon; and evaluate the potential of aqueous leaf extracts of Eucalyptus, neem and mahogany at 0, 50 and 100% concentrations for management of the pathogen. A synthetic fungicide (Mancozeb) was included as a check. The isolate from Befang had more radial growth than that from Makurdi. The colonies of both isolates were translucent and low on corn meal agar (CMA) but opaque and high on acetate differential agar enriched with dextrose (ADAD). The texture of the Befang isolate was filamentous on CMA but hard and grainy on ADAD; the Makurdi isolate was filamentous on both media. Mancozeb and all the plant extracts inhibited the growth of the pathogen significantly (P≤0.05). Among the extracts, Eucalyptus at 100% concentration was the most potent (94.4-100.0% inhibition) and it was comparable to Mancozeb (100% inhibition); mahogany at 50% was the least potent (<20%). Both concentrations of neem gave similar levels of growth inhibition (mean=50.0–64.6%) throughout. Other inhibitory levels were 32.0–57.3% for Eucalyptus at 50% and 24.0–53.9% for mahogany at 100%. These results indicated that ADAD and CMA were appropriate culture media for the fungus. The extracts of Eucalyptus, neem and mahogany had fungicidal activity against P. colocasiae; therefore they should be incorporated into management programmes for the pathogen.

Bioefficacy of Some Botanical Extracts against Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer [Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee); Lepidoptera, Pyrallidae)

Plant-based biopesticides such as extracts of neem and eucalyptus are gaining increasing attention as potential alternatives to synthetic pesticides due to their reduced toxicity to non-target species and the environment. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora Hook.) as biopesticides against the brinjal fruit and shoot borer (BFSB) (Leucinodes orbonalis), a major pest of brinjal (eggplant) crop. Experiments were conducted to determine the lethal concentration of both neem and eucalyptus extracts against BFSB larvae. The biopesticides were applied to brinjal fruit and their efficacy was evaluated by monitoring the mortality of BFSB larvae and pupae. The results showed that both neem and eucalyptus extracts were effective in controlling BFSB larvae, with the neem extract being slightly more toxic than the eucalyptus extract. A 5% concentration of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of neem caused 82% and 64% mortality of BFSB 3rd instar larvae, while the same concentration of eucalyptus extracts caused 73% mortality with 60% mortality, respectively. BFSB 5th instar larvae showed a decreased mortality as compared to 3rd instars. It concludes that the use of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of neem and eucalyptus could help to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides to control brinjal fruit and shoot borer. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of these biopesticides in controlling BFSB and protecting brinjal crops.

Exploring the Effects of Plant Extracts, Biological Agents and Essential Oils on the Non-Chemical Management of Banana Leaf Spot Disease

The present research aimed to effectively manage Fusarium oxysporum, the causal agent of banana leaf spot disease, through the utilization of diverse botanical extracts, essential oils, and biocontrol agents. Various concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%) of botanical extracts, namely Garlic, Turmeric, Ginger, Neem, and Mint, were tested to assess their antifungal efficacy. Garlic demonstrated complete inhibition of radial growth (0.00 mm), with decreasing growth observed in Neem, Turmeric, Ginger, and the most extensive growth seen in Mint (32.83, 21.33, and 16.25 mm, respectively). Antifungal effects of specific essential oils (Clove, Tarpin, Castor, Bitter chamomile, Neem) were evaluated using the poisoned food technique at the mentioned concentrations. Clove exhibited complete growth inhibition (0.00 mm), followed by Tarpin, Castor, and Neem. Conversely, Bitter Chamomile oil promoted maximum growth (35.41, 30.41, and 25.50 mm). Control plates displayed growth of 90 mm. The study also assessed different in vitro biocontrol agents (Trichoderma harzianum, Zasmidium anthuriicola, Penicillium sclerotiorum, Hypocrea lixii, and Chaetomium subaffine) against the target pathogen. Among these, Z. anthuriicola (18.41 mm) prevented F. oxysporum growth most effectively, followed by T. harzianum, P. sclerotiorum, C. subaffine, and H. lixii. While managing this destructive disease remains a significant challenge, the eco-friendly strategies employed in the study demonstrated that Garlic extract, Clove oil, and the biocontrol agent Z. anthuriicola substantially hindered the mycelial growth of the target pathogen.

Potential of Neem Leaves on Preservation of Selected Elemental Compositions in Two Tomato Cultivars from Sokoto, Nigeria

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of neem leaves in preserving the mineral elements content of two tomato types from Sokoto state, Nigeria. Healthy, ripe and firm tomato fruits brought from Sokoto City, were selected, cleaned for this study. 5%, 10% and 25% by were prepared by dissolving respective 5g, 10g and 25g neem extracts in 9.5, 9.0 and 7.5 liters of distilled water respectively to preserve tomatoes. The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design. And elements, Na, K, Ca, Mg, and P were determined in the tomatoes after the experiment using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The levels of Na, K, Ca, and P in Daneka after preservation ranges are: 1.1-1.3(ppm), 2.1-2.3 (ppm), 1.0-1.3 (ppm), 0.30-0.34 (ppm), and 0.3200-0.3330 (ppm) respectively. The levels of Na, K, Ca, and P in UTC after preservation ranges are: 1.6-1.10 (ppm), 1.6-1.10 (ppm), 0.10-1.16 (ppm), 0.30-0.35 (ppm), and 0.9997-1.0998 (ppm) respectively; revealing an increasing trend of elemental contents of all the tomato cultivars with an increasing neem concentration. Thus, the neem leaves indicate the capacity to preserve a typical quality parameter of tomatoes, that is concentration of Na, K, Ca, and P elements at p < 0.05 significant level.

Effects of Balanite (Balanites aegyptiaca) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) Oils against the Tropical Warehouse Moth (Ephestia cautella) in Stored Maize

Ephestia cautella (Walker) is an important storage pest of maize. The control of this insect relies heavily on the use of synthetic insecticides. This leads to environmental hazards, toxicity to non-target organisms and development of resistant strains of insect pests. Therefore, in this study laboratory bioassays were conducted by treating 100 g of maize grains with different concentrations of neem and desert date oils (10, 15, 20 and 25 ml/l) and Dichlorvos (DDVP) (10 ml/l) as standard reference product. Data were collected on contact toxicity by grain treatment, effects on progeny production, grain damage, weight loss, germination and palatability test. The persistence of the oils and DDVP were also tested. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD). The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA. The results indicated that Dichlorvos, neem and desert date oils significantly (P<0.05) caused mortality of adults and reduced progenies emergence. There was no emergence on grains treated with the oils at 30 ml/l and some of the adults emerged were deformed and hence can affect their survival and reproductive ability. Consequently, the oils also significantly (P<0.05) reduced the grain damage and weight loss. The oils remained effective for 9 weeks with percent mean damage of 8.67% and 5.13 % on grains treated with neem and desert date oils, respectively, at 20 ml/l as against the control with 68.10 % damage. The oils were also found to have no effects on seed germination with 90 to 93.33 % and 86.67 to 91.67 % percent germination were recorded on neem and desert date treated grains, respectively. Palatability of the treated grains was not affected by the oils after three (3) months storage. It was therefore shown that The effectiveness of neem oil is nothing new or that to be proven neem and desert date oils significantly (P<0.05) reduced infestation of maize grains and provided good protection to maize grains and could therefore be considered as a substitute for DDVP and other synthetic insecticides.

Antifeeding, Toxic, and Growth-Reducing Activity of trans-Anethole and S-(+)-Carvone against Larvae of the Gypsy Moth Lymantria dispar (L.)

Botanicals, such as essential oils (EO) and their compounds, are considered a viable eco-friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides, which threaten human health and ecosystem functioning. In the present study, we explored the potential use of two EO compounds, trans-anethole (phenylpropanoid) and S-(+)-carvone (monoterpene ketone), against gypsy moth larvae (GML), a serious pest of deciduous forests and orchards. GML feeding, survival, molting, and nutritional physiology were assessed at different compound concentrations and compared with the effects of the commercial botanical product NeemAzal®-T/S (neem). The impact of botanicals on GML feeding was assessed by the leaf-dipping method and showed the highest antifeeding activity of neem in the no-choice assay. GML that were offered a choice were deterred by anethole and attracted by low concentrations of carvone and neem. Ingestion of botanicals was more effective in inducing mortality and reducing molting than residual contact exposure. Anethole and carvone were better toxicants but worse growth regulators than neem. Assessing nutritional indices revealed reduced growth, consumption, and food utilization in larvae fed on botanical-supplemented diets. The highest metabolic cost of food processing was recorded in carvone-fed larvae, which exhibited a negative growth rate. The results suggest that anethole and carvone might be used as control agents against GML.

Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Neem Oil to the Endoparasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae).

Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle 1993 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and neem oil are two control alternatives for the integrated management of defoliating lepidopterans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity of neem oil compared to the synthetic insecticide deltamethrin, on the endoparasitoid P. elaeisis, in generations F0, F1, F2, and F3. Females of P. elaeisis were exposed to neem solutions at concentrations of 0, 1.87, 3.75, 7.50, 15.00, 30.00, and 60.00 mg ml-1, to determine the dose-response relationship and estimate the neem LC50. The sublethal effects on the parasitoid P. elaeisis in generations F0 to F3 were evaluated with these same concentrations of neem and 0.033 mg ml-1 of deltamethrin. The neem LC50 was estimated at 3.92 mg ml-1. The LC50 for P. elaeisis is 3.83 times lower than that recommended by the neem manufacturer for pest control, demonstrating high acute toxicity to this natural enemy. The chronic toxicity of both the commercial dose and those below it to P. elaeisis caused low sublethal effects. The correct concentration of neem oil in pest control is important, and its use should be performed with caution in integrated pest management programs using the endoparasitoid P. elaeisis to avoid causing interference between the two pest control techniques.

Toxicity of neem seed extract and different insecticides on Trichogramma chilonis (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Background and objectivesTrichogramma chilonis is an important biological control agent (parasitoid) that kill the host species before they damage the crops. However, insecticide sprayed after T. chilonis release significantly alter its efficacy. The acute toxicity risks of neem seed extract and commonly used insecticides for the control of lepidopteran insects are unknown for T. chilonis. The main objective of this study was to assess the toxicity of four insecticides, i.e., buprofezin, lufenuron, methoxyfenozide, pyriproxyfin and neem seed extract to T. chilonis. MethodsEgg card and dipped surface bioassays were used to test the toxicity insecticides, i.e., lufenuron (2 ml/liter), methoxyfenozide (2 ml/liter), buprofezin (5 g/liter), pyriproxyfin (5 ml/liter) and neem seed extract (2 ml/liter). Egg cardboards prepared from the parasitized eggs of Sitotroga cerealella collected at 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 8th day after oviposition were dipped in the respective concentrations of inleticides and neem seed extract. The dipped cardboards were dried and emergence of T. chilonis was recorded. Similarly, dipped surface bioassay was conducted to observe the mortality of T. chilonis at 4 and 24-h after exposure. ResultsThe applied insecticides exhibited varying degree of toxicity against T. chilonis. Lufenuron and neem seed extract proved least toxic, methoxyfenozide and buprofezin were moderately toxic and pyripoxyfen exhibited the highest toxicity during the study. Similarly, lufenuron and neem seed extract proved less toxic for the adults, buprofezin was moderately toxic, and methoxyfenozide and pyripoxyfen exhibited the highest toxicity in the dipped surface assay after 4 h of exposure. All insecticides proved highly toxic for the adults 24 h after exposure. The results reveled that lufenuron and neem oil are relatively safe for T. chilonis. ConclusionsThe tested insecticides and neem seed oil exhibited varying degree of toxicity against T. chilonis. The overall toxicity was classified as; pyriproxyfen > methoxyfenozide > buprofezin > lufenuron > neem seed extract. Therefore, neem seed extract and lufenuron are safer for T. chilonis compared to the rest of the insecticides included in the study.

Evaluation of Some Botanicals, Thermal Treatment and Packing Materials Against Pulse Beetle Callosobruchus chinensis L. in Chickpea

The pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) is a major pest of stored chickpea. In the present study, efficacy of neem (0.5 and 1.0%) and turmeric powders (0.5 and 1.0%) has been evaluated against this pest, in combination with mustard oil (0.3%), thermal treatment @ 60oC for 20 min and packing materials including open, PP (polypropylene) and LD (low density polyethylene). The results revealed increased efficacy with concentration of neem and turmeric powder. Use of neem oil @ 1.0%+ mustard oil @ 0.3% kept in open packing, proved to be significantly superior at four months of storage. Turmeric powder @ 0.5%+ mustard oil @ 0.3% treated grains showed a significantly better germination. Moisture content differed significantly with treated samples. The colour change and myroflora incidence were comparatively minimum with neem leaf powder @ 0.5%+ mustard oil @ 0.3% treated samples. Thermal treated grains proved superior compared to botanicals, whereas, colour change led to significantly lesser effect. Among the packings, PP and LD packed samples significantly influenced the infestation and germination irrespective of the botanicals.

Effects of NeemAzal‐T/S on different developmental stages of rose aphid, Macrosiphum rosae

AbstractNatural insecticides often do not provide a strong knock‐down effect and have a lower efficacy than synthetic pesticides. For an effective application of natural insecticides, it is essential to know the product’s mode of action in detail. The efficacy of the commercial neem [Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae)] product NeemAzal‐T/S and its influence on stage‐specific mortality, development, and reproduction of rose aphids, Macrosiphum rosae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae), were determined in greenhouse trials. NeemAzal‐T/S had an efficacy of 40% against M. rosae in standard efficacy trials with initial infestations between 100 and 270 aphids per plant. However, it has a significant impact on the survival of nymphs in the first to third instar as well as on juvenile development. Nymphs treated with NeemAzal‐T/S exhibit a significant delay in molting to the second instar and most of them die before the first molt. Furthermore, reproduction of adult M. rosae females is reduced when aphids are exposed to sub‐lethal concentrations of neem as first instars. Population growth is inhibited or delayed on rose plants treated with NeemAzal‐T/S. The results indicate that applications of NeemAzal‐T/S can be used to control rose aphids in integrated pest management (IPM) systems. Because this insecticide has no rapid knock‐down effect and no effect on adult aphids, combinations with natural enemies of pest insects as well as with other insecticides are possibilities to enhance the efficacy.

Leaf extract of neem (Azadirachta indica) alleviates adverse effects of drought in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) plants through alterations in biochemical attributes and antioxidants

The influence of varying concentrations (0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 % v/v) of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract on drought stressed (40 % field capacity) quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) plants was assessed. During the current study two cultivars of quinoa (V7 and V9) were used. This study revealed that water stress adversely affects the fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots as well as chlorophyll pigments (a and b) of both quinoa cultivars. In contrast, drought stress enhanced glycinebetaine (GB), free proline, phenolic content, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) enzymes, and relative membrane permeability (RMP). However, application of neem leaf extract improved the accumulation of key osmoprotectants like proline, GB and activities of enzymatic antioxidants. Our findings showed 5 % neem leaf extract is an effective treatment in counteracting the oxidative damage caused by water stress, thereby improving overall plant growth. Of both cultivars of quinoa, the response of cv. V9 to stress as well as foliar applied neem was relatively more promising.

Corrosion Inhibition of 304 Stainless Steel using Neem Leaves Extract in Sulphuric Acid Solution

Inhibition action of Neem leaves (Azadirachta Indica) extract on the corrosion of 304 stainless steel in 1.0M sulphuric acid solution has been investigated. The investigations were carried out using weight loss method and Scanning Election Microscopy (SEM) analysis. The results showed that the corrosion inhibition efficiency increases with increase in concentration of Neem leaves extract while it decreases with increase of temperature. SEM images indicated that the metal surface was in a better condition in the presence of inhibitor than the specimen exposed in the absence of the inhibitor. Results confirmed that Neem leaves extract acts as an efficient green corrosion inhibitor for 304 stainless steel in 1.0M sulphuric acid solution

WOOD VINEGAR AS A SUPPORTING ACTIVE INGREDIENT AND NEEM OIL DISPERSANT IN A NANOEMULSION SYSTEM AND THEIR BIOACTIVITY

Biopesticides are eco-friendly solutions because they have low toxicity and specific targets. Neem oil (Azadirachta indica) has the potential to enhance the antifeedant properties of wood vinegar against insect pests. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate a nanoemulsion mixture of neem oil and wood vinegar viz-a-viz their characteristics and efficacy against polyphagous insects like Spodoptera litura. This formulation involved the mixture of wood vinegar and various concentrations of neem seed oil (10, 20, 30, and 40 %), alongside surfactant, and water, to form an oilin-water (o/w) nanoemulsion. Furthermore, the formulations were then studied for their physicochemical properties and bioactivity. However, the 30 % formulation showed the best characteristics at 33.78 nm droplet size, with a polydispersity index and an antifeedant activity of 0.176 and 90.4%, respectively. The best activity (98.6%) was observed in the combination of 40 % neem oil and 2 % tar.

Evaluation of the Effect of Fungatol and Gamma-T-ol on the Emergence and Adult Parasitoid Survival of Mummies of Cotton Aphids Parasitized by Aphidius colemani.

Simple SummaryBiological control can be used as an alternative control measure to reduce pesticide resistance. Unfortunately, many biological control agents, such as natural enemies of pests, are susceptible to a broad spectrum of pesticides. This creates a potential problem when these two components are utilized together. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternatives that are not harmful to natural enemies but also have the potential to replace synthetic pesticides. Essential oils (EOs) are widely used in crop protection and organic agriculture. The EO formulations evaluated in this study are new botanical pesticides that play an important role in agriculture. EOs are available as an alternative to synthetic pesticides. Two blends (Fungatol and Gamma-T-ol) are mostly composed of Alpha Tops, and Gamma Tops were assessed for their effects on the aphid parasitoid Aphidius colemani in laboratory and glasshouse trials. According to the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) classification, they were found to be safe or only slightly toxic, making them potential candidates for introduction into an integrated pest control program for aphids.Beneficial insects play a major role in controlling pest populations. In sustainable agricultural production systems, control methods compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) are preferred over broad-spectrum pesticides. EOs from aromatic plants may provide a new and safe alternative to synthetic chemicals. In this research, the efficacy of Fungatol, Gamma-T-ol, Fungatol plus neem, and Gamma-T-ol plus neem was evaluated against Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae; Aphidiidae), the parasitoid of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, five different concentrations of each formulation were applied to parasitized mummies and adult parasitoids. Results for parasitoid emergence from aphid mummies sprayed with different concentrations of Fungatol, Gamma-T-ol, Fungatol plus neem, and Gamma-T-ol plus neem in the laboratory and glasshouse showed that the formulations did not adversely affect adult emergence as rates above 60% were observed. For residual toxicity tests done by exposing adult parasitoids to a fresh, dry biopesticide film sprayed on glass plates, less than 20% mortality was observed after 48 h of exposure. Adult longevity tests revealed that the highest concentrations of some of the formulations evaluated were slightly toxic to A. colemani. According to the IOBC rating, our results indicated that most of the tested concentrations for each formulation were harmless to A. colemani. Based on the above results, it may be proposed that the formulations evaluated in this study are potential botanical pesticide candidates for incorporation into an IPM program.

Prospects of neem and citronella oil against Pseudococcus longispinus (hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Phalaenopsis

Synthetic insecticides are still widely used in gardens and greenhouses of ornamental crops to reduce populations of insect pests and preserve flower quality. The improper and unwise use of synthetic insecticides has caused various negative impacts on humans, insect pests, and the environment. Therefore, the quest for unharmed insecticides and environmentally friendly is being sought. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of botanical insecticide formulation of neem and citronella oil to control long-tailed mealybug Pseudococcus longispinus. Four insecticide concentrations of neem, citronella oil and its mixtures (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 per cent) were tested for their effectiveness by adding each with Latron at 0.5% as an emulsifier. Bioassays were performed in the laboratory by spraying insecticides on Phalaenopsis leaves infested with P. longispinus groups of one size class, mostly represented by the third instar nymphs. The results revealed that all insecticides tested caused mortality after 24 hours. The combination of neem and citronella in 1.5% provided adequate protection by reducing P. longispinus populations by up to 86%. Thus, botanical insecticides can be recommended as a viable alternative to synthetic insecticides against P. longispinus which infested orchids.

The valorization of neem leaves infused coconut oil at various concentrations for the production of natural liquid shampoo

The liquid shampoo is a product that is generally used to clean hair and scalp. The additional active ingredient used in the liquid shampoo is neem leaves which contain polyphenols that have antibacterial effects. Neem leaves extract was made by hot infusion method with coconut oil as a solvent. The purposes of this research were to find the best concentration of neem leaves infused oil for liquid shampoo material and compare the qualities of liquid shampoo with Indonesian National Standard (SNI) of Shampoo 06-2692-1992. The method of this research was a laboratory experiment with descriptive analysis. This research was conducted in five treatments. Concentration neem leaves infused oil for liquid shampoo materials were ratio between coconut oil and neem leaves in sample A = 720:0 (w/w); B = 720:22,5 (w/w); C = 720:30 (w/w); D = 720:45 (w/w); and E = 720:90 (w/w). The result showed that all of the shampoos met the SNI of Shampoo 06-2692-1992 according to organoleptic, moisture content, and pH. The best shampoo based on organoleptic observation was shampoo C (720:30 (w/w)) with a hedonic percentage of 40%, moisture content of 69.89%, pH 7.03, and specific gravity of 1.0223 g/g. The highest antibacterial activity against S. aureus was shampoo E (720:90 (w/w)) with an inhibition zone diameter was 9.5 mm. Shampoo with the highest antibacterial activity resulted from the highest addition of coconut oils infused Neem leaves. It proved that neem leaves were effective as an additive in making shampoo to boost its antimicrobial properties.