Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica)
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem or Neemtree. family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to the Indian subcontinent and most of the countries in Africa. Neem can grow in tropical and subtropical regions with semi-arid to humid climates.
Scientific Name: Azadirachta indica
Family : Meliaceae
Common name : Neem tree
Regional name (Telugu) : Vepa chettu
Neem Tree or Vepa chettu In telugu is an attractive, evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 m to 25m tall and up to 4m to 5m in girth (Circumstance) Its spreading.
The seed is composed Neem will begin bearing fruit after 4-6 years, becomes fully productive in 10 years and can produce up to 50 kg of fruits annually.
There are acknowledged to be two varieties of neem:
1. A. indica (“Indian neem‟)
2. A. indica (“Thai neem‟)
Medicinal Uses of Neem Tree:
Neem has been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries, but its pesticidal properties were not reported until the early part of this century. when Indian scientists ground up the seeds of neem in water and sprayed the
resulting suspension over different crops that the potential of neem as a pesticide was envisaged.
Examples:
Medicine (animal), Medicine (human), Crop Protection (field), Crop Protection (storage), Timber, Fuel, Religious festivals, Food, Soil amendment/fertiliser
FUTURE PROSPECTS
It seems likely that the market for neem derived products is going to continue to expand both locally and globally. It also
seems that there is great potential for increased sustainable use of home-made neem insecticides.
conclude that the prospect for a sustainable use of home-made neem insecticides will depend on the factors listed below.
1. Availability and cost of raw material.
2. Quality and effectiveness of the preparation.
3. Labour requirements.
4. Access to and attitude towards synthetic pesticides.
5. The ability and willingness of farmers to spend more energy on pest control.
6. The image of neem in the community.
7. The plant protection knowledge of the farmer.
8. Awareness of the harmful effects of synthetic pesticides on health and the environment.