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Radio Scripts

Radio Scripts

Package 31, Script 6
January 1994
Word Count: 238

Neem Leaf Spray Controls Pests

Content: Make a pest control solution using neem leaves.

Today it's no cost pest control! Use neem leaves to make a pest control solution. Neem spray is effective against many pests of grain and vegetable crops. For example, neem spray can affect locusts, bean aphids, whiteflies, houseflies, Mexican bean beetles, Colorado potato beetles, corn earworms, and cabbage loopers. And because there are always green leaves on neem trees you can pick them whenever you need them to make the spray.

Here is how some farmers in India make neem leaf spray:

To make five litres of spray use about one kilogram of fresh neem leaves. Put the leaves into a pot and add five litres of water. Boil the mixture until the green colour is gone from the leaves. When the green colour is gone it means that the part of the leaves that affects the insects has gone into the water. Let the water cool overnight. The next day, remove the leaves or filter the mixture through a fine cloth.

Now you have a neem spray that is ready to use on your crop. If you find that this spray is not strong enough, try using two kilograms of leaves in five litres of water instead.

Also, if firewood is scarce and you don't want to use wood to heat the water, you can use cold water instead of boiling water. In that case pound or crush the neem leaves before putting them in the water.

Note:

Neem seed spray (See Package 30) is more effective for dealing with insect pests than neem leaf spray described here. The advantage of neem leaf spray is that it can be made at any time of year because the leaves are always available, whereas you can only collect neem seeds once a year. Also neem leaf spray takes much less time to prepare. However, as neem seeds can be dried and stored for later use, someone who plans ahead and stores the seeds can also make neem seed spray any time.

Information sources about neem