Organic pesticides if not properly used ...

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However until lately; few people even bothered to even look at natural chemicals such as organic pesticides, because it was assumed that they posed little or no risk. But when the studies were finally made, the results were quite shocking; it was discovered that about half of the natural chemicals that they studied are carcinogenic. By assuming that natural chemicals are automatically better and safer than synthetic chemicals, we are making a very dangerous mistake.

The fewer poisons that we put into our environment the better off we all are; we can all agree on that. Modern farming practices have greatly advanced the use of non-chemical means such as insect traps, planting disease resistant varieties of crops, companion planting and using biological controls such as predator insects and beneficial microorganisms to control pests. Unfortunately these non-chemical methods do not always give enough protection.

Another major factor is that the organic pesticides quite often to not have the effectiveness of their chemical cousins. A much higher amount of product usually has to be applied to the crops in order to be effective. At the present time we don't even know how long these organic pesticides survive in the environment or the full extent of their effects. Organic pesticides are usually broad spectrum, which mean they kill beneficial insects as well as the bad insects. They are not tested by government agencies as thoroughly as synthetic chemicals.

Scientists have developed a rating system called Environmental Impact Quotient ( EIQ ).These poisons are tested for such factors such as are they biodegradable, how long do they stay in the soil or in the plants and do they kill bees or other beneficial insects.

Here are some EIQs to compare;

• BT organic 13.5 Very safe

• Acephate synthetic 17.9

• Soap organic 19.5 Very safe

• Carbaryl synthetic 22.6 Be careful

• Malathion synthetic 23.2

• Rotenone organic 33.07 Toxic to fish

• Sabadilla (organic) 35.6 Be careful, use as a last resort

• Insecticidal soap: One of the safest pesticides, non-toxic to animals, no residue, you can use it on vegetables right up to harvest. However because it may burn or stress plants, do not use in full sun or very high temperatures.

• B T (Bacillus thurningiensis): BT is a bacterium. It usually available in a powder form to sprinkle or dust on the plant and must be eaten by the targeted insect. It is extremely safe and will not harm people, pets, birds or bees. However it is slow acting, for it may take days for the insects to stop eating and die, it will also kill good insects such as butterfly larva. Does not last long and has to be reapplied often.

• Neem: Is an oily ingredient derived from the neem tree which is sprayed onto the plant leaves. It is nontoxic to humans but it washes away in rain, it is slow acting and breaks down in sunlight. It is also an indiscriminate pesticide meaning that it will kill a broad spectrum of insects, both good and evil. A word of caution; keep pets away from plant leaves until they dry.

• Horticultural Oil: A highly refined petroleum oil which is mixed with water and sprayed onto the foliage. It coats and suffocates the insects causing their deaths. Low toxicity to humans, birds and pets. It has no toxic residue.

• Pyrethrums: This pesticide is derived from the chrysanthemum and is generally found in a powder form which is dusted on the foliage, it work by poisoning the insect causing a quick death. Is quick acting, has low toxicity, but is lethal to honeybees.

• Sabadilla: Is derived from ground seeds of the sabadilla lily, and is usually found as a fine powder and used as a spray dust. It acts as a stomach poison and is very effective against many insects, but is especially toxic to bees. It is very irritating to the mucous membranes of mammals, do not use around your pets

• Rotenone: Another organic pesticide which is derived from legumes roots of tropical legumes and applied as a dust which deprives the insects of oxygen, it does have low residual effect, but it breaks down quickly in sunlight. It is a broad spectrum pesticide and lethal to bees so apply in the evening when bees are less active.

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