Experiment of Turmeric Infusion in Neem Oil for Effective Pest Control

Abstract

Neem and turmeric insecticides are a cost effective alternative to conventional chemical pesticides due to their inexpensive and natural ingredients. These insecticides improve plant defense mechanisms and increase resistance to fungal diseases and pest infestations. Neem extract, obtained by method extraction, has synergistic benefits when combined with additives such garlic, turmeric, and chilli. These additives improve the adhesion of neem based insecticides to plant surfaces, enhance pest repellent properties, and increase insecticidal efficacy, with remarkable interactions between the curcumin in turmeric and the insecticidal components of neem. Neem and turmeric pesticides are crucial for sustainable agriculture. They offer pH neutrality, strong antifungal activity, skin-friendly formulations, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability while stimulating plant defenses. This research was conducted on maple trees in Bukit Pasir, Muar Johor, under consistent environmental conditions. As part of the study, a turmeric infused neem oil was developed that has a pH of 8 after 14 days, is skin-friendly, and has a pleasant odor. The application of 15 ml of this pesticide resulted in no insects being found on the plants for 14 days. The optimum concentration of neem and turmeric (0.05 mol L^-1) showed the best effect on the plants after 14 days. These results indicate that the combination of turmeric with neem oil at a concentration of 0.05 mol L^-1 is optimal for plant performance over 14 days. The use of these natural insecticides in agricultural practice ensures crop safety and promotes ecological balance.