Plant-derived products in crop protection: effects of various application methods on pests and diseases

摘要

The application methods used for the plant-derived products in agricultural crops include seed treatment, mulching of fresh plant material, drenching, trunk injection, soil application of oil cakes and foliar application of extracts. The products derived from neem (Azadirachta indica) have been extensively studied due to their multiple modes of action in insects (antifeedant, deterrent, growth regulator, toxic), plant pathogens (inhibition of spore germination and growth) and nematodes (restriction to root penetration and gall formation). In this review, application methods used singly or integrated with other methods are discussed while considering their practicality and impact on bio-efficacy of the plant-derived products against insects, mites, nematodes and plant pathogens in developing and less-developed countries. Also, the standardization of application methods and equipment is emphasized.