Summer is the season for fresh sweet corn, but nothing ruins the experience like finding a worm inside.
While insecticides can be used to control pests like earworms and borers, many gardeners prefer to avoid toxic chemicals. Luckily, there is a safer way to protect your corn crop.
Have you heard of neem oil? This natural product can not only prevent fungal diseases on your plants but also help control pests like earworms.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using neem oil on corn and how to apply it effectively. Say goodbye to pesky pests and hello to delicious, healthy corn!
Can You Use Neem Oil On Corn?
Yes, you can use neem oil on corn to prevent and control pests like earworms and fungal diseases. Neem oil is a natural product derived from the seeds of the neem tree, which is native to India and other parts of Asia.
Neem oil contains compounds that have insecticidal and fungicidal properties, making it an effective alternative to synthetic pesticides. It works by disrupting the life cycle of pests and inhibiting the growth of fungi.
When applied to corn plants, neem oil can help prevent and control common fungal diseases like powdery mildew, black spot, rust, leaf spot, anthracnose, and tip blight. It can also repel or kill pests like earworms, which can damage the ears of corn by feeding on the kernels.
What Is Neem Oil And How Does It Work On Corn?
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that comes from the seeds of the neem tree. The active ingredient in neem oil is azadirachtin, which disrupts the hormones of pests like earworms, preventing them from feeding, growing, and reproducing. This makes neem oil an effective pest control option for corn, as it can help prevent damage to the ears of corn caused by earworms.
In addition to its insecticidal properties, neem oil also has fungicidal properties that can help prevent and control common fungal diseases that affect corn plants. When sprayed on corn plants, neem oil can help prevent the growth and spread of fungal diseases like powdery mildew and black spot.
To use neem oil on corn plants, it is important to follow label instructions and spray in the evening or morning to avoid harming beneficial insects like bees. It is also important to accurately identify pests and diseases before using neem oil, as it can harm beneficial insects as well as pests.
Benefits Of Using Neem Oil On Corn
There are several benefits of using neem oil on corn plants. Firstly, neem oil is a natural and organic alternative to synthetic pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment and human health. By using neem oil, you can protect your corn crops without introducing harmful chemicals into the ecosystem.
Secondly, neem oil is effective against a wide range of pests and diseases that can affect corn plants. It works by disrupting the life cycle of pests and inhibiting the growth of fungi, which can help prevent the spread of diseases like powdery mildew and rust.
Thirdly, neem oil is safe to use around beneficial insects like bees, which are important pollinators for corn plants. By spraying neem oil in the evening and morning, you can avoid harming these beneficial insects while still protecting your crops from pests and diseases.
How To Apply Neem Oil On Corn
Before using neem oil on your corn plants, it’s important to test it on a small section of the plant to ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage. Here are the steps you can follow to apply neem oil on corn:
1. Mix the neem oil: In a spray bottle, mix one to two tablespoons of cold-pressed neem oil with one gallon of warm water and one teaspoon of liquid soap. The soap will act as an emulsifier to help mix the oil.
2. Apply the neem oil: Spray a small section of your corn plants with the neem oil mixture using a foliar spray bottle. Wait for 24 hours to see if there is any damage to the plant.
3. Thoroughly mist your plants: If there is no damage, thoroughly mist your indoor and outdoor corn plants with the neem oil spray, making sure to get both the top and bottom of the leaves and every nook and cranny.
4. Repeat every two weeks: As a preventative measure, apply neem oil every two weeks. If you’re trying to control an active pest infestation, spray your corn plants with neem oil once a week.
5. Spray in the evening and morning: To avoid harming beneficial insects like bees that pollinate vegetable plants, spray your corn plants in the evening and again in the morning.
It’s important to note that neem oil should not be applied during the silking stage of corn growth as it can interfere with pollination and lead to poorly filled ears. Instead, wait until the silks have reached their full length and began to wilt and turn brown (which is usually 5-6 days after 50% of the corn has begun to show silks).
Precautions To Take When Using Neem Oil On Corn
While neem oil can be a useful tool in managing pests and diseases on corn, there are some precautions that should be taken when using it. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Read the label: Always read the label on any neem oil product before using it on your corn plants. The label will provide important information about the proper application rate, timing, and safety precautions.
2. Test on a small area: Before applying neem oil to your entire corn crop, it’s a good idea to test it on a small area first. This will help you determine if the product is compatible with your plants and if there are any adverse effects.
3. Avoid spraying during hot weather: Neem oil can cause foliage burns if applied during hot weather or in direct sunlight. It’s best to apply neem oil early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
4. Don’t apply to stressed plants: Avoid using neem oil on corn plants that are already stressed due to drought, nutrient deficiencies, or other factors. Stressed plants may be more susceptible to damage from neem oil.
5. Use caution around beneficial insects: While neem oil can be effective against pests like earworms, it can also harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. Try to avoid spraying neem oil directly on flowers or other areas where beneficial insects may be present.
By following these precautions, you can use neem oil on your corn plants safely and effectively. Remember that neem oil is just one tool in an integrated pest management plan, and should be used in conjunction with other methods like crop rotation and sanitation practices.
Other Natural Alternatives To Neem Oil For Corn Pest Control
While neem oil is a great natural alternative for pest control on corn, there are other options available as well. One such option is using diatomaceous earth, which is available at many garden centers. This product affects crawling insects like snails and slugs and disrupts the life cycle of insects in any stage, including eggs, larvae, and adults. It is biodegradable, nontoxic to pets, birds, fish, and other wildlife, won’t pollute ground water or runoff, and won’t harm bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. To use diatomaceous earth, simply dust it around the plants or sprinkle it directly on affected leaves.
Another natural alternative is rosemary oil. Earth’s Ally Insect Control is a product that contains high-quality rosemary oil sustainably grown in the U.S. from a single source of rosemary plants. It also contains clove oil and peppermint oil that work together with soap and an emulsifier to paralyze, suffocate, and repel soft-bodied insects like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Fresh sweet corn can also be protected from pests like earworms by using vegetable or corn oil with a touch of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) or neem. This natural bacterial insecticide is widely used by organic growers and can be applied directly to the top of each ear when the silks have reached their full length and began to wilt and turn brown. Timing is critical for this method to be effective.
