The main active ingredient of Neem is Azadirachtin (C35H44O16), a tetranortriterpenoid. It exhibits antifeedant, insect repellent and insect sterilization properties. It is so potent that quantities as low as 1 ppm will totally repel certain insects. Insects treated with Azadirachtin during the larval and pupal stages, comprising 60-70 percent of their lives, generally die within 3-14 days. |