Botanical Pesticides
Botanical pesticides (which, as their name implies, are derived from plants), though touted as earth-friendly, can sometimes be more dangerous than their promoters imply on their snazzy labeling. These should not be confused with biorational products even though we’ve listed them in this section. Carefully read the instructions on the labels of these products. Some are really quite toxic. Their use should be very limited or, better yet, not. Some of these “chemicals” are natural as their makers claim, but, natural or not, they’re very powerful chemicals and should be regarded with caution.
Pyrethrins/Pyrethrum
Derived from a variety of chrysanthemum, pyrethrum is probably one of the most common of the botanical insecticides. Moreover, is has also been synthesized making it even more ubiquitous. It is often touted as safe and natural. Well, the non-synthesized product is indeed natural, but safe? That might be stretching the truth a bit. In fact, some marketing materials we’re seen indicate in a roundabout way — roundabout since out-and-out lying may have some liability repercussions — that pyrethrum is safe to spray on your children’s breakfast cereal. It’s not! And it’s not safe with the vast majority of the good bugs either. Additional consideration should be given to pesticide resistance since pests seem to develop a resistance to pyrethrum/pyrethrins in as little as two weeks. Natural pyrethrum has about a one week residual period before it is safe to apply most biocontrols.
We’re not fans of this product, nor do we sell it. And mentioning it here is out of courtesy, for informational purposes. To learn more about pyrethrum, please see what Wikipedia has to say about pyrethrum.
Rotenone
Rotenone is made from the roots of the Cubé plant of South America. Like pyrethrum, rotenone, while natural, is pretty toxic. It’ll kill most of the good bugs and may have some serious long-term affects on humans. Unfortunately, in the quest for the almighty dollar, many rotenone manufacturers and purveyors will be less than open about the downside of this product. That’s a shame, but that’s how things are. Thus, we’re here to try and offer a contrary view. We don’t know about resistance issues, but we do know is has a residual period of about two weeks.
We’re not fans of this product, nor do we sell it. And mentioning it here is out of courtesy, for informational purposes. To learn more about rotenone, please see what Wikipedia has to say about rotenone.
Sabadilla
Sabadilla is a product made from the seeds of a Mexican lily, Schoenocaulon officinalis. We have little personal information about this product and from we can tell, based on some light research, the jury is still out as it pertains to its toxicity to humans and good bugs alike. If you have some experience with this product, please take a moment to Contact Us.
To learn more, we’d suggest you Google sabadilla pesticide and see what’s out there.
Azadiractin/Neem
Azadirachtin [(AZA) ay-zah-dir-RAK-tin], a neem tree derivative which belongs to the Tetranortriterpenoid chemical family. We consider this neem product to be biorational, as the use of this product in the past three years has not revealed detrimental effects to the good bugs.
The neem tree is famous for its extracts which contain natural phytotoxins, thus having insecticidal qualities. Azadirachtin, the number one neem extract, is one of the world’s oldest known insect growth regulator. Throughout history, Azadirachtin has demonstrated its ability to control over 130 plants pests — 60 of which are common in the United States.
The insecticidal properties of Azadirachtin stem largely from its insect growth regulator (IGR) activity. When ingested or absorbed by a pest insect’s larva, Azadirachtin interferes with its metabolism and interrupts the molting process. Mortality typically occurs between successive molts. As such, Azadirachtin may be, perhaps, classified as larvicide. However, due to its metabolic interference characteristics, Azadirachtin also kills a large number of pest insect pupae [pupacide?]. Adults and eggs, except when used in high concentrations, are not affected. In high concentrations, Azadirachtin will demonstrate its ability as a repellent and anti-feedant.
Insect mortality typically occurs within 3-14 days of ingestion or contact (depending upon pest species, temperature, dosage, weather, etc.). Feeding cessation, though, is prevalent shortly after contact– making the insect a pest no longer.
Most biocontrol agents are not be affected by Azadirachtin. In fact we know of none which are — directly. However, as a precaution, applications of this and similar products, especially high concentration applications, are best made when the significant majority of the good bugs on site are adults. Mammals, birds, and other non-target organisms are typically not affected.
Insects which are affected the most by Azadirachtin include: Lepidopteran larvae, loopers, caterpillars, etc. Others which are affected include most greenhouse pests, confused flour and Japanese beetle larvae, certain turf pests and many more.
One product, Azatin XL (info follows), is a highly concentrated formula which contains a high percentage of Azadirachtin: 3.0%. Azatin, unlike most over the counter (OTC) brands, has no formulation restrictions, contains more active ingredient, is moderately priced, and contains no neem oil (which can readily destroy biocontrols). Moreover, Azatin has a broader range of pest species for which it is listed, and it has a wider window of opportunity in which it can be effective.
Azatin is labeled as a primary control of the following pestiferous species: Beet armyworms, fungus gnat larvae, greenhouse whitefly larvae and pupae, Gypsy moth larvae, imported cabbage worms, leafminer species’ larvae and pupae, various leafrollers, various loopers, mealybug species’ immatures, sawfly larvae, sweet potato and silverleaf whitefly immatures, and webworms. Additionally, Azatin XL is labeled for aphid species, various leafhoppers, and western flower thrips‘ larvae and pupae, for which it has shown to provide excellent pest suppression. Control has also been demonstrated on cockroaches, Colorado potato beetles, grasshoppers, spruce budworms and tent caterpillars.
Azatin is labeled for use indoors and out: greenhouses, nurseries, interiorscapes, fields, trees/orchards, etc. It is listed for well over 105 various bedding plants, flowers, pot plants, foliage and ornamentals (for specifics, please call). Moreover, Azatin is also listed for use in all cruciferous (brassica, cole) crops, all bulb vegetables, all cucurbits, all fruiting vegetables (tomatoes, etc.), fruits and berries, herbs and spices, and all leguminous vegetables.
To the relief of most growers, especially nowadays applicators of Azatin XL need very little in the way of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-required personal protective equipment: coveralls or a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, chemical resistant gloves such as barrier laminate or Viton >14ml., shoes, plus socks, and protective eye wear. The restricted entry interval (REI) is only 4 hours. An amount of time growers, hopefully, especially retailers, can still deal with.
For best results, as is the case with most pest control products, including our biocontrol agents, apply Azatin when pest populations are low. Repeat applications every 7 days, or as needed.
Do not use more than 21 fluid ounces per acre for best results. Also the use of a spreader-sticker will increase its effectiveness. Do not use a spreader-sticker if it is going to be used around beneficials. Prior to their introduction it is okay. Try using insecticidal soap or light horticultural oil for this purpose before biocontrol introductions to knock down pest numbers (with the soap/oil as an adultacide), then switch to straight Azatin and water after introductions. If this product is to be mixed with a spreader-sticker after biocontrol introductions have been made, apply it only as a spot treatment spray. In any case, concerning this product, and spray products’ use, exercise great caution and restraint. Do not use more than is needed. [Menu]
The Neem Tree
The neem tree (Azadiracha indica) is a broad-leaved evergreen which grows abundantly in India, reaching heights of up to 82', but averaging 40-65'. The neem tree, also called the “cornucopia tree,” the “Indian lilac,” and the “margosa,” lives for about 200 years.
By-products of the oil extracted from this highly regarded and special tree include: soap, wax, lubricants, heating fuel, and an organic fertilizer — in addition to its popular use as an insecticide and insect growth regulator. By-products of this tree include material for dentifrices, timber and firewood, tannins and feed for livestock.
The neem tree is highly prized, especially the seeds, which contain the most oil, from which Azadirachtin is derived. It’s just one more example of the riches provided by Mother Nature.
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