Many growers may think that “azadirachtin” and “neem oil” pesticides are completely interchangeable. While the two are certainly related, they have vastly different modes of action. Neem oil comes from seeds of the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) that are crushed and pressed. This oil contains a number of different components, but azadirachtin is the most biologically active. Purified azadirachtin is extracted from the oil. The extraction process results in two different substances with two different modes of action. Neem oil without azadirachtin works like most other oils, with suffocation as its main mode of action. Azadirachtin, on the other hand, has more life-cycle-influencing effects. Products incorporating azadirachtin function as insect growth regulators, antifeedants, and repellants.
AzaGuard from BioSafe Systems contains 3% azadirachtin active ingredient. Its special formulation makes it particularly well-suited for use as a soil drench while also remaining effective as a foliar spray. Some insects, such as aphids, can be found in both the foliage and the rootzone of plants. When aphids inhabit the rootzone of plants, full container drenches are the most effective way to penetrate the entire container profile. Beyond drenches, AzaGuard is labelled for both high and low volume sprays, making it compatible with everything from Autofoggers to hydraulic and backpack sprayers.
AzaGuard’s impact can be aided by the addition of products utilizing insecticidal fungi, such as BioCeres. The growth regulation effects of azadirachtin slow down the insect life cycle upon contact, preventing molting and slowing reproduction. The prevention of molting allows spores from insecticidal fungal products more time to germinate and grow on top of insect exoskeletons that would otherwise be discarded. Weekly applications of AzaGuard paired with biweekly applications of Bioceres provide a one-two punch to slow down vulnerable insect lifecycles and knock down populations. Ask your Griffin sales rep or GGSPro today for more information!
AzaGuard from BioSafe Systems contains 3% azadirachtin active ingredient. Its special formulation makes it particularly well-suited for use as a soil drench while also remaining effective as a foliar spray. Some insects, such as aphids, can be found in both the foliage and the rootzone of plants. When aphids inhabit the rootzone of plants, full container drenches are the most effective way to penetrate the entire container profile. Beyond drenches, AzaGuard is labelled for both high and low volume sprays, making it compatible with everything from Autofoggers to hydraulic and backpack sprayers.
AzaGuard’s impact can be aided by the addition of products utilizing insecticidal fungi, such as BioCeres. The growth regulation effects of azadirachtin slow down the insect life cycle upon contact, preventing molting and slowing reproduction. The prevention of molting allows spores from insecticidal fungal products more time to germinate and grow on top of insect exoskeletons that would otherwise be discarded. Weekly applications of AzaGuard paired with biweekly applications of Bioceres provide a one-two punch to slow down vulnerable insect lifecycles and knock down populations. Ask your Griffin sales rep or GGSPro today for more information!