Thinking about using Neem Oil for Fruit Trees? Well, it is a wonder-liquid that can keep them thriving for a fantastic harvest!
Derived from the seeds of Azadirachta indica, neem oil can be beneficial in a lot of ways to keep the trees safe from various pests and diseases issues, which can ultimately help it flower and fruit better.
Benefits of Neem Oil for Fruit Trees
1. Keeps the Pesky Pests Away
Neem oil contains compounds that disrupt the life cycle of insects, making it an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides. It works on most of the common pests such as aphids, fruit flies, spider mites, caterpillars, and whiteflies
2. Takes Care of the Fungal Diseases, Too!
Trees are susceptible to various fungal diseases, which can affect the quality and yield of the fruits. Neem oil possesses antifungal properties that help prevent and control diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and black spots.
3. Insect Repellent
Neem oil acts as a natural insect repellent, deterring them from feeding on the leaves and fruits. This can be particularly useful in preventing damage from chewing insects and those that bore into the fruit.
4. Boosts Immunity
Applying neem oil to fruit trees can boost their overall immunity, as it stimulates the production of phytohormones in plants, enhancing their ability to resist diseases and pests, resulting in better and tastier fruits!
Best Fruits for Neem Oil Application
Neem oil solution works best for citrus, apple, peach, cherry and plum trees. However, you can use it on any fruit trees of your liking to keep it save from pests and insects.
How to Apply Neem Oil on Fruit Trees
The best way to use neem oil for fruit trees is to use it as a foliar spray. However, you need to keep certain points in mind.
Dilution is important before you plan to use neem oil on trees. Take 2 teaspoons of it and mix it with 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap. Now, add a gallon of water to the mix to make a potent solution. You can now add it to a spray bottle and use it on plants—check out this article for all the details.
It is important to use the oil at cooler parts of the day, i.e. either early morning or evening to avoid foliage burn. This will also help you to maximize its effectiveness.
For best results, apply the solution once 1-2 weeks before the onset of flower buds on the plant. This will keep all the pests and fungal issues at bay for those delicious fruits!
