Farming Interest - Natural Sprays

Mwarobaini - Neem spray
To make neem spray use one kilogram of fresh neem leaves. Put the leaves into a pot and add 5-6 liters of water. Boil the mixture until the bright green color is gone from the leaves. When the green color is gone it means that the part of the leaves that affects the insects has gone into the water. Let the water cool overnight. The next day, remove the leaves.The spray is now ready to use on the plants. Use within one week. This method is used in India. Neem does not work as a knock down spray that kills insects on contact. Instead, it makes plants less attractive to insects. Plants are able to absorb neem sprays through their leaves or roots. Neem also interferes with the reproductive cycles of insects. By doing this, it may be possible to lower the overall population by keeping them from reproducing. Neem can be used every 1 – 2 weeks during the growth of the plant. By using it when the insect population is low, it will help to keep them from growing to a large population. The seeds of the neem trees are more effective than the leaves but the leaves are available any time.


Sabuni - Natural soap spray
To make a soap spray, find a natural soap without added color or scents. Soap made with animal fats might be safer for the plants than soap made with plant based fats. The soap should be mixed in a 1-2% solution. This means that if you want to make 1 Liter of spray, you should add 10 mL of soap solution. Dissolve soap shaving in a small amount of water. Use 10 ML of this solution with 1 Liter of water to make a 1% solution. Neem and soap sprays can be used to affect whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. The neem and soap sprays may also be combined.


Natural fungicide
Potassium Bicarbonate can be added to the soap spray to control mildew, scale, and common fungal diseases. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate but it can damage plants. Add 1 Tablespoon to 4 Liters of water.

Utupa – Rusha – Tephrosia Vogelii – Goats Rue
Sometimes people know that this plant can be used as an illegal way to kill fish. This is because it is a natural source of rotenone. Rotenone is an effective way to control soft bodied insects including aphids, whitefly, mites, ticks, worms, and termites. To make this spray, place 1 kg leaves in 5 L of water and boil for 30 minutes. Remove leaves and add about 70 mL of a liquid soap mixture. Use within one week.