Eureka Mondal et al /J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol.

8(5), 2016, 299-306

Azadirachta indica - A Tree With Multifaceted

Applications: An Overview
Eureka Mondal* and Kaushik Chakraborty
Department of Zoology, University of Gour Banga,
Mokdumpur, Malda-732103,
West Bengal, India

Abstract
Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is perhaps the most useful traditional plant in India.Not only India, it is world widely
distributed but known as different names other than neme.It is an evergreen,temperature tolerant,flowering plant.It is a natural
product which has much to offer in solving global agricultural, environmental and public health problems from time
immemorial. The neem tree has over centuries been used as herbal plant; including its use against insect pests. In India use of
neem tree in record from a very long time. Neem based pesticides play a vital role in pest management and hence have been
widely used in agriculture. Mostly all parts of the neem tree like the bark, leaves, flowers, seeds and fruit pulp are used.They
are mostly used in the powdery or in the extract form like leaf extract,kernel extract,cake extract, Pongam-aloe and neem
extract, Custard apple-neem-chilli extract,oil spray etc. It acts in many ways like insect growth regulator,feeding
deterrent,oviposition deterrent,sterilizer,inhibitor of chitin synthesisis etc. Beside this, neem also act as good
manure,fertilizer,soil conditioner,urea coating agent etc. In the agricultural field.Actually it is meant to serve as an ecofriendly
and sustainable-agriculture initiative.Present review corroborates a depth analysis for the insect pest control by different neem
chemicals, like Azadirachtin, Nimbin, Nimbidin, Salanin, Salannol, Quercetin, Gedunin etc.
Keywords : Elixir, Extract, Multifacet, Pest, Powder, Tree.

INTRODUCTION: developing countries.It has been reported stored grains

Extensive usage of broad spectrum synthetic pesticides losses as high as 30% and an average of 8.7% during 3 to 6
during the last century is a concern of environmental threat months storage period in Nigeria [1]. Particularly
worldwide [13,31] . Moreover, pest resistance to pesticides implicated Sitophilus zeamais as one of the common grain
and consequently the increased costs of sproduction have pests in tropical countries such as Nigeria.[1,32]
also aggravated the drawbacks of these chemicals [7,13]
.Therefore, various alternative measures of pests control DISTRIBUTION OF NEEM PLANT:
including botanical extracts were studied during the last A native to east India and Burma, it grows in much of
decades, [47,60] south East Asia and West Africa, and more recently
Neem was ‘discovered’ in the western world in 1959 when Caribbean and south and Central America. In India, it
a German entomologist noticed that it was the only green occurs naturally in Siwalik Hills, dry forests of Andhra
standing after a swarm of locusts swept through the Sudan. Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to an altitude of
Among the recognized ‘pesticidal’ plants, the neem tree, approximately 700 m. It is cultivated and frequently
Azadirachta indica provides a unique source for numerous naturalized throughout the drier regions of tropical and
active ingredients having insecticidal properties. subtropical India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and
Neem products are suitable for integrated pest management Indonesia. It is also grown and often naturalized in
because of their low toxicity to non target organisms, easy Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Australia,
preparation and compatibility with other bio-products. Saudi Arabia, Tropical Africa, the Caribbean, Central
Azadirachta indica is native to India and naturalized in and South America [37]
most of tropical and subtropical countries. The importance
of neem is recognized in the report of US National TAXONOMY AND NOMENCLATURE:
Academy of Sciences entitled ‘Neem - a tree for Its scientific name, Azadiracta indica, is in fact derived
solving global problems’ in 1992. Neem-based products from Azad-Darakth.Two species of Azadirachta have been
were proved as medium- to broad-spectrum insecticides reported, viz – Azadirachta indica A. Juss , native to Indian
against various field and store pests [50] subcontinent and Azadirachta excels Kack.-confined to
Phillipines and Indonesia [37].
EXTENT OF LOSS BY INSECT PESTS: The taxonomic classification of neem is: Kingdom:Plantae;
Insect pests cause heavy food grain losses in storage, Order:Rutales, Suborder:Rutinae, Family:Meliaceae,
particularly at the farm level in tropical countries. Insect Subfamily:Melieae; Tribe:Melioideae, Tribe: Melioideae;
pest infestation has been reported as the major cause of Species: Indica.[19,41]
food grain losses in most developing countries [57]. Food
grain losses in India during storage ranges at about 10% of VERNACULAR NAMES:
the total production [30]. In Sub-Saharan Africa, food grain In North Queensland, the name ‘neem’ is erroneously
losses during storage at farm level can reach as high as 25- applied to ‘Melia azedarach’ (‘white cedar’). The tree is
40% [15]. Post-harvest losses of grains are also higher in variously known as ‘Divine Tree’ ‘Heal All’, ‘Nature’s

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Drugstore’ ‘Village Pharmacy’ and ‘Panacea for all INSECT PESTS OF NEEM PLANT:
diseases’ in Indian Ayurvedic tradition. In East Africa it is Oryzaephilus surinamensis and O.acuminatus infest old
known as Muarubaini (Swahili), which means the ‘tree of neem seed kernels [46,58] . Neem is known to be infested
the 40’, as it is supposed to cure 40 different diseases. by scale insects Palvinaria maxima and Aspidotus
Neem tree is also known as ‘arista’ in Sanskrit- a word that orientalis, lepidopteran Helopeltis theivora, and geometrid
means ‘perfect, complete and imperishable’. The Sanskrit moth Ascostis selenaria [6]. Minor defoliating agents are
name ‘nimba’ comes from the term acridid grasshopper Orthacris simulans, fire ants
‘nimbatisyasthyamdadati’ which means ‘to give good Solenopsis spp. and Latoia lepida (Cram), coleopteran
health’. The Persian name for the neem of India is Azad- Cryptocephalus ovulum and lepidopteran Laspeyresia
Darakth or the ‘free tree’. India has shared its ‘free tree’ aurantiana and Cleora cornaria.
and knowledge of its utilisation with the world community.
The freedom of diverse species to exist and the freedom of CHEMISTRY OF NEEM:
people to exchange knowledge about them are best Neem plants contain several thousands of chemical
symbolised in the neem. constituents having insecticidal property. Enormous active
Neem has variable spellings with variable meanings [37]. ingredients are found in all botanical parts of the neem tree,
English: neem, Indian lilac, French: azadira d'Inde, but concentrated largely in the seed kernels. A group of
margousier, azidarac, azadira, Guajarati: Danujhada, limonoids (triterpenoids) including Azadirachtin, Nimbin,
Limbado, s Hindi: neem, nimb, Kannada: Bemu, Nimbidin, Salanin, Salannol, Quercetin, Gedunin are
Bevinamara, Bivu, Kaybevu, Burmese: tamar, tamarkha reported. Terpenoids from different parts of the neem plant
Urdu: nim, neem Punjabi: neem Tamil: vembu, veppan are also extracted. Out of these, most active and well
Sanskrit: nimba, nimbou, arishtha (reliever of sickness) studied compound is Azadirachtin (C35H44O16) of different
Sindhi: nimmu Sri Lanka: kohomba Farsi: azad darakht i types (A to K) have been isolated. The neem terpenoids are
hindi (free tree of India), nib Malay: veppa Singapore: present in all parts of the plant. Limonoids contain
kohumba, nimba Indonesia: mindi Nigeria: dongoyaro insecticidal activity [33]. Two tetranortriterpenoids, 1 1 -
Kiswahili: mwarubaini (muarobaini) epiazadirachtin H [44] and AZ-K [21], have been isolated
from neem seeds. Site of synthesis and accumulation of the
CHARACTERISTICS OF NEEM PLANT: neem-chemicals have also been identified as ‘secretory
The neem tree is drought resistant and thrives cells’ in seed kernels. Seeds contain tignic acid
normally in areas with sub-arid to sub-humid conditions, responsible for the distinctive odour of the oil [51].
with an annual rainfall between 400-1200 mm.[18] Neem is More than 20 sulphurous compounds responsible for the
generally evergreen but can shed most of its leaves under characteristic smell are also present. It had reported non-
dry conditions. Neem is a type of mahogany, a fast- volatile, somewhat heat labile constituents in neem leaf
growing evergreen tropical to subtropical tree that can extract which blocked aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus
reach a height of 50-65 feet. Neem can tolerate high flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.[62]
summer temperatures (up to 50 ˚C) but does not tolerate
frost or temperatures below 4 ˚C (leaf fall and death may PLANT PARTS AND PRODUCTS OF NEEM:
result). Neem grows best in areas where annual rainfall is For centuries the Neem tree has been noted for its unique
450–1200 mm (with optimum growth where annual rainfall insecticidal and miticidal properties. For hundreds of years,
is around 1100 mm), but can tolerate annual rainfall as low the local villagers in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan put
as 150 mm if its roots can access ground water within 9–12 neem tree in their granaries and cup boards to keep away
m of the ground surface [56]. Once established it is very weevils and other insects.Using of different neem
drought tolerant and can survive 7–8 month dry seasons. derivatives as insect repellent agents are as follows :
The compound (pinnate) leaves are in alternate fashion, Neem seed: Seed azadirachtin has mainly repellent, anti-
20–40 cm long , with 20–30 dark green, serrated leaflets, feedant, toxic and growth regulatory effects.
each about 3–8 cm long. The terminal leaflet is often The water extract of neem seeds was effective
absent. Young leaves are reddish to purplish in colour. as natural insecticides for combating storage and
Petioles are 70–90 mm long. The bark is deeply fissured in field pests. The new seed have more repellent
structure. Flowers are cream in colour, perfumed and effect. Neem oil is an extract from the seeds of
arranged in axillary clusters. Each inflorescence is 15–25 the Neem tree .Neem oil works to smother and
cm long and comprises 150–250 individual flowers. Each repel pests. The product suffocates all of the life
flower is about 1 cm in diameter with five petals, ten stages of aphids, citrus black flies, fruit flies,
stamens and one style. The ovary is syncarpous, superior, and leafminers [11] .Seed kernels of neem are
and three-celled with 1–2 ovules per cell. The fruits are the source of Azadirachtin and related
glabrous, olive-like drupe, 1–3 cm in diameter, varying in Limonoids (AZRL), which has been well known
shape from elongate oval to roundish. It is yellow when since ancient times as a potent biopesticides
ripe and comprises a sweet pulp enclosing a single seed against a variety of insects [38] .
(rarely 2–3 seeds).Neem has a strong root system with a Neem leaves: Neem leaves are also used in storage of
deep tap root and extensive lateral roots. Suckers can be grains [11] .Twigs of neem when tender is used
produced following damage to the roots [23] as green manure after decomposing and widely
incorporated in rice cultivation fields.Neem leaf

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extracts have been found to have insecticidal pest fumigant is eco friendly and available in
properties. They are used as green leaf manure gaseous state and is used as a pesticide and
and also in preparation of litter compost mealy disinfectant. This natural fumigant not only kills
bugs, whiteflies and scale, among others, as well pests but also affects them negatively by acting as
as mite adults and eggs. Neem Oil kills pests feeding and oviposition deterrence, mating
quickly and repels them for up to one-to-two disruption, inhibition of growth etc.Neem
weeks. fumigant helps to protect stored rice grains from
Neem bark: Neem bark has insecticidal properties. Bark in pests. One of the major benefits of this organic
powdered form is also used to control fleas and fumigant is that pests do not develop resistance to
sucking pests in rice cultivation [11] it and This natural product does not leave any
Neem root: Neem root in powdered form are also used to residue on plants [22].
control fleas and sucking pests in rice
cultivation. PREPARATION OF NEEM BIOPESTICIDE FORMULATION
FOR FARM LEVEL APPLICATION:
APPLICATIONS OF NEEM:
Neem kernel extract: Fifty grams of neem kernel are
Neem used as fertilizer: The material left after oil is required for use in 1 litre of water. The outer coat
squeezed out from seeds and is popularly known as the is removed before pounding. The seeds of three to
seed cake. It acts as a bio-fertilizer and helps in providing eight months old is used. Otherwise, the quantity
the required nutrients to plants. It is widely used to ensure a of azadirachtin in the seeds is quite low and hence
high yield of crops, particularly rice and sugarcane. It acts they cannot be efficiently used for pest control.
as a soil enricher, reduces the growth of soil pest and The pounded neem kernel powder is gathered in a
bacteria, provides macro nutrients essential for all plant muslin pouch and soaked overnight in water. The
growth, and helps to increase the yield of plants in the long pouch is squeezed and the extract is filtered. To
run, bio degradable and eco-friendly. the filtrate, an emulsifier like khadi soap/ solution
Neem used as manure: Neem is rich in sulphur, potassium, soap (with no detergent) is added. The emulsifier
calcium, nitrogen, etc. Neem cake is used to helps the extract to stick well to the leaf surface.
manufacture high quality organic or natural Neem leaf extract: For 5 litres of water, 1 kg of green
manure, which does not have any aftermaths on neem leaf is required. The leaves are soaked
plants, soil and other living organisms. It can be overnight in water, grounded and the extract is
used directly by mixing with the soil or it can be filtered. The extract is suited for use against leaf-
blended with urea and other organic manure. It is eating caterpillars, grubs, locusts and
bio-degradable and eco friendly, nourishes the soil grasshoppers. To the extract, emulsifier is also
and plants by providing all the macro and micro- added.
nutrients, helps to eliminate bacteria responsible Neem cake extract: A hundred grams of neem cake are
for denitrifying the soil. required for 1 litre of water. The neem cake is put
Neem as urea coating agent: Neem and its parts are being in a muslin pouch and soaked in water overnight.
used to manufacture urea coating agent to improve It is then filtered and an emulsifier is added at the
and maintain the fertility of soil. Use of neem urea rate of 1 millilitre for 1 litre of water, after which
coating agent helps to retard the activity and it is ready for spraying.
growth of the bacteria responsible for Neem oil spray: Thirty millilitres of neem oil are added to
denitrification. It prevents the loss of urea in the the emulsifier and stirred well to ensure that the
soil. Urea coating is generally available either in oil and water can mix well. After this, 1 litre of
liquid form or powdered form. Neem urea water is added and stirred well. It is very essential
coatings are excellent natural or bio pesticides, to add the emulsifier with the oil before adding
environmental friendly, non-toxic, reduces urea water. A knapsack sprayer is used for dispersion.
consumption, convenient and easy to apply, high Pongam, aloe and neem extract: One kilogram of pounded
soil fertility and increases the yield of crops. pongam cake, 1 kg of pounded neem cake and 250
Neem as soil conditioner: Neem seed granules or g of pounded poison nut tree seeds are put in a
powdered seeds are used to manufacture the soil muslin pouch and soaked overnight in water. In
conditioner. It can be applied during sowing of the morning, the pouch is squeezed and the extract
plants also prevents them from being destroyed by is taken out and is mixed with 1/2 litre of aloe-
certain pests and insects. Organic soil conditioner vera leaf juice. To this, 15 litres of water are
is gaining popularity in agricultural industry. This added. This is again mixed with 2-3 litres of cow’s
natural soil conditioner is also multi-functional urine. Before spraying, 1 litre of this mixture is
and in the sub tropical regions. Neem soil diluted with 10 litres of water.
conditioner application in plantation crops is Custard apple, neem, chilli extract: Five hundred
known to be soil enhancers that help to increase its millilitres of water are added to 2 kg of ground
fertility. custard apple leaves and stirred. This is filtered to
Neem as fumigant: Neem tree has been used against get the extract and the filtrate is kept aside.
household, storage pests and crop pests. Neem Separately, 500 gm. of dry fruits of chilli are

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soaked in water over-night. The next day, this is Orthoptera, Isoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera,
ground and the solution filtered to get the extract. Lepidoptera, and Diptera [34].
One kilogram of crushed neem fruits is soaked in Oviposition deterrent: Neem controls pests by preventing
2 litres of water overnight and the extract is the females from depositing eggs, known as
filtered. All the three filtrates are subsequently oviposition deterrence, and comes in very handy
mixed with 50-60 litres of water, filtered again when the seeds in storage are coated with neem
and sprayed over the crops. kernel powder and neem oil. After this treatment,
the insects will not feed on them. Further damage
MODE OF ACTION OF NEEM FORMULATION: to the grains will be halted and the female will be
The action of neem products as pest control agents can be unable to lay its eggs during the egg-laying period
manifested in different ways. The use of neem products of its life cycle.When oviposition sites were
does not give immediate results. Some patience is required treated with Azadirachtin or other neem-related
after the application of neem products. Those insects which products, oviposition repellency, deterrency, or
feed on plant tissues, therefore, easily succumb. However, inhibition occurred in Coleoptera, Lepidoptera,
natural predators like spiders feed only on other insects and Diptera [14,49,50].
while bees feed on nectar. Hence they rarely come in Fecundity suppression and Sterilisation: The
contact with significant concentrations of neem products. interruption of insect reproduction is also an
Neem extracts do not exhibit this type of effect on pests but important feature of AZ compounds. Because
affect them in several other ways. ecdysteroidis one of the hormones regulating
Insect growth regulation: The growth regulatory effects of vitellogenesis,and Azadirachtin can modify
Azadirachtin and other neem-related products are hemolymph ecdysteriod by inhibiting the
very much effective for pest control. A major release of PTTH and allatotropins from the
action of Azadirachtin is to modify brain-corpus cardiacum complex, adverse
hemolymph ecdysteriod and juvenile hormone by effects on ovarian development, fecundity, and
inhibiting the release of morphogenetic peptide, fertility (egg viability) occur in Orthoptera,
prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), and Hemiptera,Heteroptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera,
allatotropins from the brain-corpus cardiacum Diptera, and Hymenoptera [5,34,49,50] and
complex [5] . Neem products also work on spermatogenesis in males is also affected by
juvenile hormones. The insect larva feeds and as it using Azadirachtin [52]
grows, it sheds its old skin. When the neem Inhibition of Sexual communition: The sexual behavior
components, especially azadirachtin, enter the of the males and females in mating and
body of the larva, the activity of ecdysone is response to sexual pheromones [16], are also
suppressed and the larva fails to moult, remains in affected by AZ treatment.
the larval stage and ultimately dies. If the Inhibition of Chitin synthesis: The formation of chitin or
concentration of azadirachtin is not high enough, the hard part covering of the insect is inhibited as
the larva will die only after it has entered the pupal a result of applying neem product on storage food
stage. If the concentration is lower still, the adult which inhibits or prevents normal metamorphosis
emerging from the pupa will be 100% malformed, of immature stages to the adult stage.
and absolute death occur. Changes in biological fitness of larvae and adults: The
Feeding deterrent: When an insect larva sits on a leaf, it biological fitness of both the larvae and adult of
will want to feed on it, this particular trigger of many insect species has substantially reduce at
feeding is given through the maxillary glands. different dosage of neem products. Changes in
Peristalsis in the alimentary canal is thus speeded biological fitness included reduced lifespan
up, and the larva feels hungry and starts feeding [61], high mortality [16], loss of flying ability
on the surface of the leaf. If the leaf is treated with [61], low absorption of nutrients [61],
a neem product, because of the presence of immunodepressions [8] enzyme inhibition [35],
azadirachtin, salanin and melandriol, there will be and disruption of biological rhythms [54].
an anti-peristaltic wave in the alimentary canal Repellent: The smell of neem is enough to repel leaf eating
which produces something similar to a vomiting insects (such as grasshoppers and leafhoppers).
sensation in the insect [29]. Because of this Neem oil formulation find wide usage as a bio-
sensation, the insect does not feed on the neem- pesticide for organic farming, as it repels a wide
treated surface. Its ability to swallow is also variety of pests including the mealy bug, beet
blocked.So,it can be said that Azadirachtin(AZ) armyworm, aphids, the cabbage worm, thrips,
and AZ-containing extracts from the neem tree whiteflies, mites, fungus gnats, beetles, moth
show distinct antifeedant activity, primarily larvae, mushroom flies, leaf miners, caterpillars,
through chemoreception (primary antifeedancy), locust, nematodes and the Japanese beetle.
but also through reduction in food intakedue Grasshoppers have been observed to starve to
to toxic effects after consumption (secondary death rather than eat neem as the only food source.
antifeedancy) in lethal quantities. Antifeedant
activity of neem products has been found in

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SPRECTRUM OF ACTIVITY: protection. The grain was stored in large, open straw
Various folk remedies for neem include use as an baskets or in jute bags.
anthelmintic, antifeedant, antiseptic, diuretic, For centuries, India's farmers have known that the Neem
emmenagogue, contraceptive, febrifuge, parasiticide, trees withstand the periodic infestations of locusts. Neem
pediculocide and insecticide. It has been used in traditional extracts applied to vegetable crops repel locusts [24] .Like
medicine for the treatment of tetanus, urticaria, eczema, most plants, neem deploys internal chemical defences to
scrofula and erysipelas. It has been an age-old practice in protect itself against leaf- chewing insects. Neem contains
India to mix dried neem leaves with grains meant for several active ingredients, and they act in different
storage. The practice of mixing neem materials with stored ways.For example, one outstanding neem component,
products became rooted as part of traditional wisdom and azadirachtin, disrupts the metamorphosis of insect larvae.
culture. It has recorded that mixing of neem leaves (2-5%) By inhibiting molting, it keeps the larvae from developing
with wheat, rice, or other grains is even now practised in into pupae, and they die without producing a new
many villages in India and Pakistan [40]. Mixing of neem generation. In addition, azadirachtin is frequently so
leaf paste with the mud that is used for making earthen bins repugnant to insects that scores of different leaf-chewing
and overnight soaking of gunny bags in boiled neem leaf species - even ones that normally strip everything living
extract (2-10%), which are then used for storing grain. All from plants - will starve to death rather than touch plants
the parts of neem like seed, flowers, bark, and leaf can be that carry traces of it.
used to produce high quality product. Products derived
from Neem tree act as powerful Insect Growth Regulators COMMERCIAL POINT OF VIEW:
(IGR) and also help in controlling several nematodes and Neem insecticides are being manufactured and exported to
fungi. Neem products reduce insects’ growth in crops and various countries as a lot of research has been conducted to
plants. test the safety and efficacy of neem for use as an insecticide
In Ghana, cacao beans mixed with 8% neem leaves [27,42]. Neem is the most important among all bio-
remained free from attack by Ephestia cautella up to 9 insecticides for controlling pests. These pesticides do not
months in storage [17]. In Nigeria, the traditional use of leave any residue on the crop like other chemical
neem for protecting stored grains is well-documented pesticides.
[12,20,39]. The characteristic garlicky odor of neem Azadirachtin is the main ingredient used to manufacture bio
materials permeating the closed storage environment pesticides. Neem oil and seed extracts are known to possess
presumably repelled insects and bitter compounds in neem germicidal and anti-bacterial properties which are useful to
materials mixed with the stored grain discouraged insect protect the plants from different kinds of pests. neem
feeding. Probably, the oil present in neem seed or kernel insecticides do not leave any residue on the plants.
also discouraged egg deposition on grains, particularly on Bioactive compounds of neem, such as azadirachtin, affect
leguminous seeds. There could also be other less visible but behaviour, growth and development, and survival and
significant effects of neem on behaviour and physiology of reproduction of stored product insects has been reviewed
stored product pests. [25,34,36,38,48,49,55]. Azadirachtin has emerged as
The traditional uses of neem may differ in different regions wonderful natural biopesticide for pest control due to its
or with farmers of different cultural backgrounds. For efficacy, biodegradability and minimum side effects [38].
example in southern Sind, Pakistan, farmers mix dried Although the sensitivity of stored product insect pests to
neem leaves with grains stored in jute sacks, or they apply neem materials varies, almost all the species are sensitive to
crushed neem leaves on the inner surfaces of mud bins neem. Neem pesticides are being manufactured and
before filling them with grains [26]. In central Sind, where exported to various countries as a lot of research has been
“palli” (a giant basket) made of plant materials is a conducted to test the safety and efficacy of neem for use as
common storage structure, crushed neem leaves mixed with a pesticide [4,59]. One of the most important advantages of
mud are used as plaster for its inner sidewalls and top. In neem-based pesticides and neem insecticides is that they do
southern Punjab, Pakistan, neem leaf extract is sprinkled on not leave any residue on the plants.
wheat straw packed at the bottom of “palli” 2 to 3 days
before filling with grain. A survey of various types of on- CROP PEST MANAGEMENT AND NEEM FORMULATION:
farm storage practices revealed that a combination of two Neem is non-toxic and it can be used in combination with
or three control measures, including the use of neem leaves, other pesticide and oil for more effectiveness. Instead of
was used by 29% of the farmers in Punjab and 47% of the killing the pests, it affects the life cycle of the pests. Anti-
farmers in Sind [10]. In Sri Lanka, farmers burn neem feedant properties found in neem compounds helps to
leaves to generate smoke for fumigation against insect pests protect the plants. Pests generally do not develop a
that attack stored paddy and pulses [45]. Also, chopped resistance to neem based pesticides. Neem pesticides are
green leaves are kept over the heap of paddy in a container; generally water soluble and help in the growth of the
as leaves dry up, they are replaced periodically. [2,3] plants. It acts as pest repellent and pest reproduction
conducted a survey of post-harvest control practices of 145 controller. Neem is being used to manufacture bio-
farmers in 11 districts of six provinces in India. They found insecticide that is environmental friendly and do not have
that 30-60% of the farmers who stored wheat, rice, any toxic effects on plants and soil. Neem insecticides are
sorghum, and millet, used 4-10% neem leaves (wt/wt) for used to protect both food as well as cash crops like rice,
pulses, cotton, oils seeds, etc. Great for use on all crops,

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trees, plants, flowers, and fruits and vegetable round the chemical means of protecting stored products or crops
home as well as organic and commercial growers. Active against insect damage be used. Investigations on the
ingredient Azadirachtin, found in neem tree, acts as an effectiveness of neem extracts as organic pesticide is vital,
insect repellent and insect feeding inhibitor, thereby but the development of standardized formulation and
protecting the plants. This ingredient belongs to an organic certification of the neem-pesticide products is even more
molecule class called tetranortriterpenoids. It is similar in crucial.
structure to insect hormones called ‘ecdysones’, which The use of dried neem leaves or leaf powder would not
control the process of metamorphosis as the insects pass need any standardization, except probably ensuring the
from larva to pupa to adult stage. According to recent minimum effective quantity required for mixing with grain.
studies conducted on parts of neem, it was found that neem However, appropriate macshinery, e.g. decorticator,
seed extracts contain azadirachtin, which in turn works by seed/kernel crusher, pulverizer, will be needed for village
inhibiting the development of immature insects. Neem oil level processing plants [53] for producing quality
or the neem seed oil is extensively used to manufacture seed/kernel powder and oil. Also, as azadirachtin, the
insecticides used for different crops. Neem oil enters the principal bioactive ingredient in neem, is heat sensitive,
system of the pests and obstructs their proper working. cold processing technology for neem seed would be
Insects do not eat, mate and lay eggs resulting in the needed. Neem oil obtained by cold processing of seed is
breaking of their life cycle. The neem oil insecticides only light in color and can be rich in azadirachtin (>2,000 ppm)
target the chewing and sucking insects. [43] Oil,thus obtained, could be standardized for chemical
properties and ingredients, biological activity, and its
PEST TOXICITY: efficacy stabilized and further enhanced by the addition of
In tests over the last decade, entomologists have found that stabilizers, antioxidants, synergists, compatible plant
neem materials can affect more than 200 insect species as products with pest control properties (e.g. pyrethrins), or
well as some mites, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, and even a even synthetic insecticides. Also, improved methods of
few viruses. The tests have included several dozen serious application, e.g., mechanical mixers for uniform and bulk
farm and household pests like Mexican bean beetles coating of oil on grain, use of slow release
(Epilachna varivestis) , Colorado potato beetles dispensers/sachets which could be placed at different
(Leptinotarsa decemlineata) , Locusts (Orthoptera) , depths in storage structures, bins or bags, could be devised
grasshoppers (Caelifera), Tobacco budworms ( Heliothis for ensuring and enhancing efficacy.
virescens), Six species of cockroach, Cotton and tobacco The neem tree thrives on waste and marginal lands. Unlike
pests etc. in India, Israel, and the United States; Cabbage pyrethrum (which requires careful cultivation), neem, once
pests in Togo, Dominican Republic, and Mauritius; Rice established, becomes a perennial source of pest control
pests in the Philippines; Coffee bugs in Kenya, Japanese materials and other useful products. Despite the setback to
beetles in Ohio Stored corn, sorghum, beans, and other the traditional pest control uses of neem due to the advent
foods against different pests [9]. and popularization of synthetic insecticides, new interest in
the pest control potential of neem has grown worldwide
FUTURE CONSIDERATION: since the past decade. However, if full benefits are to be
The current crop of pests has developed resistance to a achieved, then further patronage is needed from
wide range of pesticides available. Farmers are thus caught governments, policy makers, administrators, public and
in a vicious circle the moment they start using chemicals. private organizations, national and international programs,
The Indian people have for millennia used this tree in and the donor community. Collecting and processing of
agriculture, public health, medicine, cosmetics and neem seed and foliage will have to be undertaken on an
livestock protection. The technology and practices that are organized scale. For example, in India, in spite of the
being promoted are aimed at rejuvenating local low-cost growing demand, neem seed collection is barely 25% of the
use of neem as a bio-control agent. It is meant to serve as a total produce. Also, more trees will have to be grown to
sustainable-agriculture initiative. The Centre for Indian ensure availability around the year of the raw material.
Knowledge Systems has been involved in various efforts The complexity of the azadirachtin molecule will preclude
relating to the use of natural products for pest control and its economic synthesis in the near future. So, neem seed
crop protection. will be the basic material needed for the production of
The powdery form is normally used for the preservation of neem-based pesticides, enriched formulations, or plain seed
stored seed-bean grains against weevil attacks or mixed powder or oil. Studies of averting such a possibility would
with dry grounded clay or sawdust and sprinkled over prolong the useful life of neem materials in stored product
young plants, such as maize and sorghum, against pest management.
infestation. Rain water or dew helps dissolve the extract
active substance, which get into the plant through ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
translocation. The extracts, however have some application We are grateful to our Honourable vice chancellar Prof.
problems including their effect period, lasting for 4-8 days, Gopal Chandra Misra , and Dr. Shyamapada Mandal, Head
thus there is a need for many applications in a season. The of the Department of Zoology, University Of Gour banga
aqueous extracts are sprinkled on field crops against for their various contribution, valuable suggestions and
various pests. The increasing demand for high quality food, support.
free from chemical residues, makes it imperative that non-

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