Are you confused about the differences between neem oil and volck oil?
Do you wonder if they are the same thing or if one is better than the other?
If so, you’re not alone. With so many different types of oils available for gardening, it can be hard to keep them all straight.
In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between neem oil and volck oil, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your garden.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of horticultural oils!
Is Neem Oil And Volck Oil The Same Thing?
Neem oil and volck oil are often confused for one another, but they are not the same thing. Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree and is commonly used as an insect spray. It is an organically accepted oil that acts as a natural pest control method.
On the other hand, volck oil is a petroleum-based insecticide that helps control scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies, sooty mold, red spider mites, and insect eggs on fruit and shade trees. It is used in late winter or early spring to prevent insects or sprayed every two weeks once problems appear for a maximum of four sprays each summer.
While both oils have their uses in gardening, they have different properties and applications. Neem oil is best used as a preventative measure for pests and plant diseases, while volck oil is used to control pests during non-growth periods.
What Is Neem Oil?
Neem oil is a naturally-derived oil extracted from the seeds of the neem tree. It contains several components, with azadirachtin being the most active. This component acts as an insect anti-feeding agent and insect growth regulator, reducing insect feeding and acting as a repellent. Neem oil also interferes with insect hormone systems, making it harder for insects to grow and lay eggs. Other components of neem oil kill insects by hindering their ability to feed.
In addition to its insecticidal properties, neem oil has also been promoted for disease control. It is often used in organic gardening as a natural pest control method. However, not all neem oil is organic, and it needs to be OMRI certified or approved by another certifying agency to be considered organic.
Neem oil is best used as a preventative measure for pests and plant diseases. It can be applied during active growth periods, but it is most effective when used before pests become a problem. Neem oil can also be used as a fungicide to control diseases like powdery mildew and black spot.
What Is Volck Oil?
Volck oil, also known as dormant oil, is a heavy grade petroleum-based insecticide that is commonly used in gardening to control pests and fungi during non-growth periods. It is called dormant oil because it is used on deciduous plants and trees that have dropped their leaves, as it can be toxic to plants and damage their leaves.
Volck oil spray helps control scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies, sooty mold, red spider mites, and insect eggs on fruit and shade trees. It is typically used in late winter or early spring to prevent insects or sprayed every two weeks once problems appear for a maximum of four sprays each summer.
It is important to note that volck oil should not be used on maidenhair ferns, red maples, Japanese maples, or blue spruce trees. Additionally, incorrect use of volck oil can result in lack of pest control and crop damage.
Composition And Properties Of Neem Oil
Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide found in the seeds of the neem tree. It is yellow to brown in color, has a bitter taste, and a garlic/sulfur smell. The oil is composed of several active compounds, including triterpenoids such as azadirachtin and nimbin. Azadirachtin is the most active component responsible for repelling and killing pests, and it can be extracted from neem oil. The remaining portion of the oil is called clarified hydrophobic neem oil.
In addition to its pesticidal properties, neem oil also has therapeutic implications in disease prevention and treatment. It contains antioxidants and other active compounds such as nimbolinin, nimbidin, nimbidol, salannin, and quercetin. These compounds give neem oil its antimicrobial properties by inhibiting microbial growth and breaking down cell walls.
Neem oil also plays a role as a free radical scavenger due to its rich source of antioxidants. Azadirachtin and nimbolide have been shown to have antiradical scavenging activity and reductive potential. Neem oil has also been found to be effective in managing cancer by regulating cell signaling pathways and modulating the activity of various tumor suppressor genes.
The main chemical constituents of neem oil include oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin C, and carotenoids. Neem leaves contain protein, carbohydrates, minerals, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, carotene, glutamic acid, tyrosine, aspartic acid, alanine, praline, glutamine, cystine like amino acids, and several fatty acids such as dodecanoic, tetradecanoic, and elcosanic.
Composition And Properties Of Volck Oil
Volck oil is a petroleum-based insecticide that is composed of a mixture of hydrocarbons. The oil is produced through a refining process that removes impurities and reduces the unsaturate content. The oil is commonly used to control pests on fruit and shade trees.
The properties of Volck oil make it an effective insecticide for controlling scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies, sooty mold, red spider mites, and insect eggs. The oil has a low toxicity to humans because of its non-poisonous residue on crops. It also has minimal effects on birds and useful insects. However, it can be harmful to fishes and honey bees.
The sulfunation degree of Volck oil is an essential property that affects its quality. During winter, a sulfunation degree of 65% to 75% is suitable for spraying the oil, while for summer pest control, a sulfunation degree of 85% to 95% is recommended. The oil is light and has a weight of about 16 to 17 kg per 20 liters. Therefore, it is crucial to use it carefully.
The recommended dose of Volck oil for saplings with softwood and seedlings is lower than that for old and pest-infected trees. The average dose of Volck oil recommended for use as an insecticide is 1.5%.
Uses Of Neem Oil In Gardening
Neem oil is a versatile tool in the organic gardener’s arsenal. It has both insecticidal and fungicidal properties, making it a valuable tool for controlling pests and diseases in plants. Here are some common uses of neem oil in gardening:
1. Insect control: Neem oil is effective against a variety of insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites. It works by disrupting the insect’s hormonal systems, making it difficult for them to breed and feed. Neem oil can be used as a foliar spray or soil drench to control these pests.
2. Fungal control: Neem oil is also effective against a range of fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, black spot, and rust. It works by disrupting the growth of fungal spores and preventing them from germinating. Neem oil can be used as a foliar spray or soil drench to control these diseases.
3. Soil amendment: Neem oil can be added to soil as an amendment to improve soil health and fertility. It contains high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for plant growth.
4. Leaf shine: Neem oil can be used as a leaf shine to give plants a healthy, glossy appearance. It also helps to prevent dust and debris from accumulating on the leaves.
5. Hydroponic gardening: Neem oil is particularly useful in hydroponic gardening, where plants are grown in water rather than soil. It helps to prevent algae growth and keeps the nutrient solution clean.
When using neem oil in gardening, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and use it sparingly. Overuse can lead to phytotoxicity, which can damage or kill plants. Additionally, neem oil should not be used on stressed plants or during extreme temperatures. Overall, neem oil is a valuable tool for organic gardeners looking for safe and effective ways to control pests and diseases in their plants.
Uses Of Volck Oil In Gardening
Volck oil is a heavy-grade oil that is traditionally used as a preventive measure in non-growth periods. It is an effective insecticide that controls a wide range of pests, including scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies, sooty mold, red spider mites, and insect eggs. It can be used on fruit and shade trees and is particularly effective during late winter or early spring.
Volck oil spray can also be used during the growing season, but it should not be applied to foliage within 30 days before or after using products containing sulphur, lime sulphur, or captan. It is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the plants.
One of the benefits of using volck oil in gardening is that it is a relatively safe and non-toxic option compared to synthetic pesticides. It can be used on vegetable plants, but it is recommended to avoid spraying directly on the vegetables and to wash them before consuming.
