{"id":128,"date":"2026-02-08T16:34:44","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T16:34:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/?p=128"},"modified":"2026-02-25T09:08:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T09:08:09","slug":"azadirachtin-neem-oil-insecticide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/azadirachtin-neem-oil-insecticide\/","title":{"rendered":"Azadirachtin (Neem Oil) Insecticide Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Azadirachtin or neem oil is an insecticide widely used in organic agriculture. In this technical fact sheet, we will examine the mode of action, use, and characteristics of this product. At the end of the article, you will find a list of commercial products based on this active ingredient.<\/strong><\/p>\n

What azadirachtin or neem oil is and how it is used<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"azadirachtin<\/p>\n

Azadirachtin<\/strong> (Azadirachta indica<\/em>) is derived from a tree native to the Indian subcontinent. The active ingredient is extracted both from the seeds producing an oil with insecticidal properties (neem oil<\/strong>) and from plant extracts (leaves and shoots).<\/p>\n

Several insecticidal active compounds have been identified in this plant, but the most important are azadirachtin A<\/strong> and azadirachtin E<\/strong>. Among these, azadirachtin A is the one whose concentration is declared in commercial formulations.<\/p>\n

Its mode of action is based on a chitin-inhibiting effect<\/strong>, meaning it disrupts the development of juvenile insect stages by preventing molting. The stress caused to the insect leads to death within a few days demonstrated. For this reason, azadirachtin is not effective against adult insects<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It also has repellent activity<\/strong>, reduces adult fertility, and decreases egg viability. Unlike pyrethrum<\/a>, azadirachtin has systemic activity<\/strong>, meaning it can be translocated within plant tissues, allowing it to control insects that were not directly hit by the spray. This characteristic also makes it suitable for use via fertigation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This natural insecticide is absorbed by phytophagous insects both by contact<\/strong> and, primarily, by ingestion<\/strong>. Azadirachtin-based products are highly selective toward beneficial insects<\/strong>, preserving most natural enemies\u2014an especially valued feature in organic farming.<\/p>\n

These characteristics make azadirachtin ideal for controlling difficult pests such as:<\/p>\n