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Abstract
Neem (Azadirachta indica) products have been used as organic pesticide against a wide variety of agricultural pests in tropical areas of the world. A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of various neem treatments on the pests effecting okra in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A field trial was conducted at the UVI Agricultural Experiment Station incorporating six pest control treatments: diazinon, azatin, neem mulch, neem tea, neem hedge, and control. Okra was harvested three times per week for nine weeks. Marketable fruit weights and number of fruit were recorded. The diazinon, azatin, and neem mulch treatments produced statistically similar numbers of fruit and had similar yields (9.93, 9.74, and 8.36 t ha"1, respectively). All three treatments were significantly (P< 0.05) better than the control (6.76 t ha"'). Total yield and number of fruit were significantly less than the control for the 'home-made' neem tea treatment made from leaves. Production from the neem hedgerow treatment was significantly lower than all other treatments, most likely due to competition for light and moisture. This study indicates that azatin and neem mulch are organic pest control options that produce okra yields similar to those achieved when using the synthetic commercial insecticide, diazinon.