Author(s): Isabel Lykken, Katharina Clegg
Mentor(s): Michael C. Rotter
Institution UVU
Agricultural practices on both a large and small scale are ever evolving in efficiency. A major challenge of agriculture is to increase food production without damaging the environment. As we advance, it is crucial to develop methods that not only optimize plant growth and health, but that prioritize minimizing impact on the environment and human health. Azadirachta indica, commonly known as the Neem tree, produces Neem oil that can be obtained from the fruits, seeds, and flowers of the Neem tree (Chaudhary et al. ,2020). This oil is incredibly versatile with a range of applications, from medicinal uses to agricultural benefits, and is safe for human consumption. Notably, Neem oil serves as an effective pesticide with significantly less environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives. Synthetic pesticides often contribute to the development of resistance in pests, pollution, and ecological imbalances (Campos et al., 2012). In contrast, Neem oil is rapidly biodegradable due to its organic composition, resulting in minimal environmental impact while maintaining powerful insecticidal properties (Waghmare, J. T, 2007). Moreover, Neem oil can be applied selectively, targeting harmful pests without adversely affecting beneficial insects such as pollinators. Despite the advantages of Neem oil as a bio-pesticide, there are many drawbacks that limit the development and use of it. Short shelf life, photosensitive properties, and issues with residue make it difficult to use Neem on a large scale. By adding additional properties to Neem such as essential oils from other plants, efficacy of these compounds may be increased. This study aims to increase the knowledge we have on the efficacy of Neem oil as an organic pesticide as well as its effects on the growth of plants. By assessing Neem oil as an organic pesticide, this research aims to test the efficacy of Neem and Neem-based pesticides. The methods for this study will consist of a number of experiments in a partnership with Young Living Essential Oils in which trials will take place to collect data on insect pest mortality rate using different concentrations of a Neem based formula. Trails will be conducted on live plants and in isolated chambers in which the model organisms are fed a mixture containing varying concentrations of the formula. Observations will be made on plant health and success throughout the trials.