A Review on efficacy of Azadirachta indica A. Juss based biopesticides: An Indian perspective

Although both synthetic and natural of pesticides are used extensively in the agricultural fields to control crop pests, it is well known that natural pesticides are eco- friendly and are safe to the non target organisms. The Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem tree), has long been recognized for its insecticidal properties. Nearly 550 insect pest species are sensitive to azadirachtin, an active compound extracted from the A. indica tree. Nowadays pesticides from A. indica become very much popular because of their biodegradability, least persistence and least toxic to non-target organisms, economic and easy availability. In India, neem products are effective against various pests of both crop fields as well as stored grains like rice, wheat, corn, legumes, potato, tomato, etc. This review put a light on the use and efficacy of A. indica based pesticides against various pests of both crop fields as well as stored grains of India.