Neem Oil Offensive
Pear sawflies, also known as pear slugs because of the appearance of their larvae, are
pests of pears and cherries that can be of particular concern in organic production systems. Neem oil, a natural product from the Indian neem tree, is toxic to a wide variety of insects. Can neem oil be used to control pear slugs in organic orchards? PARC researchers found that neem is slightly toxic to slug larvae, but more important its
presence stops the insects from feeding. Larvae find treated cherry foliage so distasteful they dont eat, even when nothing else is available. They would rather starve.
Neem oil is effective at very low doses, and breaks down rapidly. Carefully timed sprays of neem oil may prevent feeding by pear slug larvae, while leaving no residues on the leaves or the fruit.
Acknowledgement: Dr. Mike Smirle
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