BIOLOGICAL EFFICACY OF THE NEEM OILFOR THE CONTROL OF APHIDAE POPULATIONS

In this study which took place during the 2021 year we tested the biological efficacy of neem (AzadirachtaindicaA. Juss) seed oil on aphid populations. The researchwas performed under laboratory and greenhouse conditions using cucumber (Cucumissativus L) plants. The laboratory experiments showed a strong aphicide effects, the pests dying before they could leave the treated cucumber leaves. The greenhouse studies confirmed the potent insecticide action, however they also showed a moderate repellent effect. The extract inhibited aphid feeding for a period of 5-7 days but was not able to completely inhibit the consumption of plants. The neem oil in a dose of 10 L/ha has the potential to be used as an aphicide, the highest biological efficacy being reached after two treatments with an interval of 10 days between them.