A neem seed extract was evaluated at 60, 120 and 180 ppm for its contact and systemic effects in controlling the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on miniature roses. Pirimor(R), a commonly used contact actions aphicide, was also used as a comparison with the neem treatments in the contact action trial. All neem concentrations gave poor to very slight control of M. persicae when applied as contact action foliar sprays, with Pirimor(R) providing the greatest contact kill. Neem at 180 ppm, when applied as a soil drench, gave total aphid control within 24 hours, apparently through systemic action. Aphid parasites and other beneficial insects did not appear to be affected by neem treatments, whereas Pirimor(R) treatments reduced beneficial insect numbers. Although Pirimor(R) would be the preferred choice for immediate aphid control through contact action in commercial crop production, neem still has a place in the control of aphids in situations such as organic crop production, or in crops where resistance to other chemicals by aphids has resulted. Other uses may be in indoor and outdoor landscape situations where human health is of major concern and a long lasting systemic method of aphid control desirable. In these cases neem could be applied as a soil drench at concentrations of 180 ppm, possibly through existing irrigation systems.
