Question
QUESTION: Hi, i just stumbled on your site with a question in mind and forgive me, you probably already have the answer posted. I don't have alot of research time granted to me lately. But could you tell me if fig trees need pesticides at all? I've been around white figs and violette fig trees and they only had a problem with ants. Figs are my favorite fruit and i just got some land in southern Oregon to use however i like. I would really appreciate an expert opinion! Thank you,
Stephanie.

ANSWER: Fig trees are generally insect and disease free. From time to time caterpillar type insects could feed on the leaves but this is not common and can be seen as eaten holes in the leaves and treated at that time. Ants will come to eat the decaying fruit but will not harm the production of figs. Most fruit trees have a schedule of sprays for insects and diseases but figs do not since they are not a common occurrence. Just keep the trees healthy and you should not have any problems.

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QUESTION: That is fortunate. Fig trees have a natural pesticide and is virtually free from disease. Would you know what is in this tree (agent/natural pesticide) that keeps it from ailments? Along with my fig trees i'll have many veggies, herbs, berries and such and i want to treat it with earth friendly products. I've heard of the neem tree oil here--http://www.planetnatural.com/site/xdpy/kb/neem-tree.html
Its main uses in the agriculture sector include being an insecticide in food storage, as soil amendment, fertilizer efficiency enhancer and very effective folier PESTICIDE. In your opinion would this oil be effective for this purpose? Perhaps you know of another?
Thanks,
Stephanie.

Answer
Neem is a source of environment-friendly biopesticides. The unique feature of neem products is that they do not directly kill the pests, but alter the life-processing behavior in such a manner that the insect can no longer feed, breed or undergo metamorphosis. However, this does not mean that the plant extracts are harmful to all insects. Since, to be effective, the product has to be ingested, only the insects that feed on plant tissues succumb. Those that feed on nectar or other insects such as butterflies, bees, and ladybugs hardly accumulate significant concentrations of neem products.

Neem is deemed very effective in the treatment of scabies although only preliminary scientific proof exists which still has to be corroborated, and is recommended for those who are sensitive to permethrin, a known insecticide which might be an irritant. Also, the scabies mite has yet to become resistant to neem, so in persistent cases neem has been shown to be very effective. There is also anecdotal evidence of its effectiveness in treating infestations of head lice in humans. A tea made of boiled neem leaves, sometimes combined with other herbs such as ginger, can be ingested to fight intestinal worms.

The oil is also used in sprays against fleas in cats and dogs.

I would not recommedn any pesticide unless there is a problem with an insect or a disease.