Neem Oil and Chitin

[GrowTheSeeds]

Can neem oil be used on any vegatable and/or fruit? Are there some types of vegatables and/or fruits it should not be used on? Liquid vs grandules uses? Does it harm lady bugs, animals (birds, cats, dogs, etc.)?

Chitin (from crab shell, shrimp shells, lobster shells, etc) does this work for controling pests? I remember some relatives in Florida used to crush the crab shells after eating and put them in the garden. Are their any fresh water clam shell that helps in controling pests?

[winter_unfazed]

Chitin is one of those words you have to make SURE you pronounce clearly. Especially if you are 16 and you are talking to your mom. I speak from firsthand experience.

[Buglady]

I have never seen Neem come in a granular form. It is an type of horticultural oil that is use the repeal as well as smother insects. You do have to be careful with tinder plants like vegetable because of the chances of burning. There is research done at Purdue University showing that it works as a repellant against Japanese beetles, if you treat plants it will slow down the beetles feeding on them.

Be prepared it does have its own special smell :)

the use of crab shells or other crustaceans shells was for the calcium (chitin contains calcium). The decomposing shells release the calcium for the plants use. Another reason was to build the level of bacteria that feeds on calcium in the soil. when the levels of this bacteria got high enough it would then feed on the egg shells of plant parasitic nematodes, like root knot nematodes. Root knot nematodes are a giant problem in fl, and this was one of the "theoretical" ways to control it. Some homeowners still try this method but it is not used commercially. so the pest control here is not for insects but plant parasitic nematodes.

hope this answered your questions.....

[johno]

Smells like oranges to me...

[Buglady]

the smell depends on the formulation you get and what other "scents" are added in to mask the smell

[GrowTheSeeds]

Thanks Buglady you answered some:)
On the neen oil - do you know if are there are vegetables it can not be use on.

[Buglady]

You just need to read the label of the product you are using. The issue would be phytotoxicity. Think, would you use an oil on this plant? because neem is an oil.

Also ALWAYS do a test patch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! never spray your whole crop with a new product. ?

[cReAtIoN gRoAnS]

BE CAREFUL with Neem. I have burned some plants with it. I personally do not like to use it unless it is absolutlely a must! I try to get around it if possible. But I do use it occasionally. And as a side note I think that the fungicide properties in neem are highly overrated. But just my opinion.

Chad

[Buglady]

I never recommend neem for its fungicidal properties.. I am with you 100% on that.