The commercial use of azadirachtin and its integration into viable pest control programmes

Abstract

With the continued robust growth of the global biopesticide market, azadirachtin is uniquely positioned to become a key insecticide to expand in this market segment. In the USA the actual or impending cancellation of some organophosphate and carbamate insecticides that have either lost patent protection or are not being re‐registered in many markets because of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, has opened new opportunities for biopesticides and reduced‐risk pesticides in general. The broad‐spectrum activity of azadirachtin at low use rates (12·5 to 40 g AI ha‐1) coupled with the insect growth regulator activity (in all larval/nymphal instars including the pupal stage) and unique mode of action (ecdysone disruptor), make azadirachtin an ideal candidate for insecticide resistance, integrated pest control and organic pest control programmes. Azadirachtin has been exempted from residue tolerance requirements by the US Environmental Protection Agency for food crop applications. Azadirachtin exhibits good efficacy against key pests such as whiteflies, leafminers, fungus gnats, thrips, aphids and many leaf‐eating caterpillars. Azadirachtin has minimal to no impact on non‐target organisms, is compatible with other biological control agents and has a good fit into classical Integrated Pest Management programmes. The world's largest azadirachtin extraction facility has been fully commissioned in India to process over 10,000 tonnes neem seeds per annum. This will ensure the wide availability of azadirachtin technical grade material in the future. © 1998 Society of Chemical Industry.

Acaricidal, repellent and oviposition deterrent activities of Datura stramonium L. against adult Tetranychus urticae (Koch)

“…Even today, farmers frequently use plant-based products such as the oil derived from the seed of the neem tree [Azadirachta indica A. Juss, (Meliaceae)]. Azadirachtin, one of the most active constituents in neem oil, acts as a feeding deterrent and limits the growth of insects and mites (Immaraju 1998;Martinez-Villar et al 2005;Ismann 2006;Kumral and Susurluk 2007). Similarly, nicotine derived from Nicotiana tobaccum L. (Solanaceae) is used to slow the growth of pests with sucking and piercing mouth parts, such as spider mites, white flies and leaf hoppers (Sugavanam and Copping 1998;Ismann 2006).…”

Insecticidal and repellent activities of medicinal plant extracts against the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hom.: Aleyrodidae) and its parasitoid Eretmocerus mundus (Hym.: Aphelinidae)

“…For example, neem oil obtained from the seeds of the Indian neem tree, Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), is eVective against soft-bodied insects and mites and is also useful in the management of phytopathogens (Isman 2006). Azadirachtin, one component of the neem seed extract and it is a triterpene limonoid, is widely used as an insect antifeedant and a growth regulator (Immaraju 1998). Plant essential oils, which have long been used as fragrances and food Xavorings, demonstrated fumigant and contact insecticidal activities to a wide range of pests (Regnault-Roger 1997).…”

Soil application of different neem products to controlCeratothripoides claratris(Thysanoptera: Thripidae( on tomatoes grown under protected cultivation in the humid tropics (Thailand(

“…Topical AZA treatments can result in antifeedant, repellent and growth-regulating effects on many insects including thrips, either directly or indirectly via residues on plant surfaces (Schmutterer 1990;Mordue et al 1998). However, in the case of C. claratris the short persistence of AZA, particularly under tropical light and temperature conditions (Barrek et al 2004), needs even higher frequencies of neem sprayings to achieve acceptable control levels (Saxena & Kidiavai 1997;Immaraju 1998). This reduces the comparative advantage over use of conventional pesticides.…”