Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease ... - Cornell University

OMRI LISTED (This is a partial list. Check http://www.omri.org for many more):
Azadirachtin-based
AZA-Direct (Gowan Company, USA)
Azatrol (PBI Gordon, USA)
Azera Insecticide (also contains pyrethrum) (MGK Co.)
Concern Garden Defense Multi-Purpose Spray (Woodstream Corp.)
Neemix 4.5 Botanical Agricultural Insecticide/Insect Growth Regulator (Certis USA)
Safer Brand End All Insect Killer (Woodstream Corp, Can.)
Safer Brand BioNEEM Multi-Purpose Insecticide and Repellent Concentrate (Woodstream
Corp.)
Neem Oil
Triact 70 Fungicide/Miticide/Insecticide (Certis,USA)
Trilogy Fungicide/Miticide/Insecticide (Certis USA)
Green Light Neem Concentrate (Green Light Co., USA)
Green Light Rose Defense Concentrate (Green Light Co., USA)
Green Light Rose Defense Ready-To -Use (Green Light Co.)
References to OMRI listed products in this Guide are based on the 2012 edition of the OMRI
Product List. Please consult www.omri.org for changes and updates in the brand name product
listings.
EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN HEALTH
Environmental fate: Azadirachtin reportedly breaks down within 100 hours in water or light. It
is relatively immobile in soil (Martineau 1994).
Wildlife: Azadirachtin is considered relatively non-toxic. Rat oral LD50 of azadirachtin is >5000
mg/kg. However, cold-water extract of fresh neem leaves caused mortality in guinea pigs and
rabbits after four weeks of feeding trials. This extract produced reversible infertility in rats and
mice after six weeks (Extoxnet). Azadirachtin is not likely to accumulate or cause long-term effects
(Miller & Uetz 1998). Fish toxicity is moderate, and azadirachtin is not expected to kill fish
under normal use.
Natural enemies: Azadirachtin is considered relatively safe to adult beneficials. It is reported
to be relatively harmless to bees, spiders, ladybeetles, parasitoid wasps, and adult butterflies.
Product labels advise not to apply when honeybees are actively foraging (EPA). In a few trials,
negative effects have been noted on immature stages of beneficial species exposed to neem
(Qi et al. 2001; Banken & Stark 1997). However, neem products are generally thought to be suitable
for inclusion into integrated pest management programs (Lowery & Isman 1994; Ruckin
1992).
Other non-target organisms: Considered to be generally non-toxic. Neem leaves added to
the soil increased earthworm weight and survival (Extoxnet); however, the effects of neem on
many non-target organisms have not been studied.
Effects on human health: Studies of azadirachtin mutagenicity and acute toxicity have shown
that it likely does not pose a significant risk to human health. However, some people have
exhibited skin and mucous membrane irritation from neem seed dust (Weinzierl & Henn 1991).
Note that most studies have been done on azadirachtin and may not show the effects of a
whole neem product. Neem is used in some commercial human hygiene products.
EFFICACY
AZADIRACHTIN-BASED PRODUCTS
Neem extracts have been shown to affect over 200 insect species, including some species of
whiteflies, thrips, leafminers, caterpillars, aphids, scales, beetles, true bugs, and mealybugs
(Thacker 2002; Copping 2001). Although neem products are labeled for many species, efficacy
against them varies greatly.
138 Organic Resource Guide