Neem Seed Extract‌ (Azadirachta indica) is a standardised botanical extract formulated for use in ‌bio-pesticide, organic crop protection, and integrated pest management (IPM)‌ applications. Offered in Azadirachtin A grades of 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40%.

Basic Information

Product Description

Neem Seed Extract is obtained from the dried seed kernel of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. It belongs to the Meliaceae family and is native to the Indian subcontinent.

Five technical powder grades are available – 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40% azadirachtin – each independently verified by HPLC-DAD. The 2% and 5% grades are suitable for ready-to-use emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations. The 10% and 20% grades serve as intermediate concentrates for custom formulation development. The 40% grade is a high-purity technical active ingredient for premium biopesticide products.

The primary bioactive constituent is azadirachtin, a tetranortriterpenoid limonoid that is one of the most potent naturally occurring insecticides known. Azadirachtin affects over 600 species of insects and acts through multiple modes of action including anti-feedant, growth-regulating, ovicidal, and repellent activities.

Azadirachta indica is native to the Indian subcontinent (India, Myanmar, Bangladesh). India remains the dominant global supplier, with major cultivation areas in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. China has cultivated neem trees in Yunnan and Hainan provinces since the 1980s, but commercial seed extraction for azadirachtin is still primarily sourced from India.

Active Constituents

The bioactive profile of Neem Seed Extract is defined by azadirachtin content and related limonoids.

Primary Marker: Azadirachtin

Azadirachtin (CAS 11141-17-6, C35H44O16, MW 720.71) is the principal bioactive limonoid in neem seed extract. It is quantified by HPLC-DAD at 254 nm. Azadirachtin consists of a mixture of structurally related compounds, with azadirachtin A being the most potent (approximately 80-90% of total azadirachtin). The compound acts as an insect juvenile hormone analogue, disrupting molting, feeding, and reproduction in target pests. It exhibits translaminar and systemic activity in treated plants.

Secondary Markers

Total limonoids (including nimbin, salanin, nimbilin, and gedunin) contribute to the overall insecticidal spectrum. These are measured by UV spectrophotometry and typically range from 2-5 times the azadirachtin content depending on the extraction method and seed quality.

COA Standard Specifications – Technical Powder

COA Standard Specifications – EC Formulations

Mode of Action

Anti-Feedant Activity

Azadirachtin acts as a powerful anti-feedant by interfering with the insect nervous system. It disrupts feeding behavior within hours of exposure, causing insects to stop feeding and eventually starve. This effect is particularly pronounced in caterpillars and chewing insects.

Insect Growth Regulation

Azadirachtin mimics insect juvenile hormone, disrupting molting and metamorphosis. It prevents larval development into viable adults and reduces egg hatchability. This growth-regulating action provides long-lasting residual control even after the initial contact dose has dissipated.

Ovicidal and Repellent Effects

Azadirachtin reduces oviposition (egg-laying) by female insects and exhibits direct ovicidal activity on existing eggs. It also acts as a repellent, deterring pests from settling on treated crops. These combined effects provide comprehensive pest pressure reduction.

Systemic and Translaminar Action

Azadirachtin demonstrates both translaminar movement (penetrating through leaf surfaces) and limited systemic activity within treated plants. This allows it to reach pests that hide underneath leaves or bore into plant tissues, providing protection beyond surface contact.

Target Pests and Crop Applications

Target Pest Spectrum

Azadirachtin is effective against more than 600 species of insects, including:

Lepidoptera: Caterpillars (Helicoverpa, Spodoptera, Plutella, Trichoplusia)

Hemiptera: Aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, mealybugs, jassids

Coleoptera: Flea beetles, Colorado potato beetle, weevils

Thysanoptera: Thrips (Frankliniella, Thrips tabaci)

Approved Crop Uses

Azadirachtin-based biopesticides are registered and approved for use on a wide range of crops globally:

Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, Brassica spp., lettuce, cucurbits

Fruit crops: Apples, citrus, berries, stone fruits

Field crops: Cotton, soybeans, cereals

Ornamentals and turf: Roses, ornamental trees, golf courses

Greenhouse crops: Cut flowers, bedding plants, transplants

Regulatory Status

United States (EPA)

Azadirachtin is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a biopesticide under FIFRA Section 3. EPA Registration numbers include 02552-2 (Azatin), 70051-6, and others. It is exempt from residue tolerance requirements under 40 CFR 180.970. Azadirachtin is classified as a minimum-risk pesticide under FIFRA Section 25(b) when formulated at low concentrations.

European Union

Azadirachtin is authorised as an active substance in plant protection products under EU Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. It was included in the EU approval process and is permitted in several member states. Products containing azadirachtin must comply with Maximum Residue Level (MRL) regulations under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

India (CIB&CR)

Azadirachtin is registered with the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&CR) under the Insecticides Act, 1968. Multiple formulations are registered, including EC (0.03%, 0.15%, 0.3%, 1%), wettable powder (WP), and dust formulations. The standard specification requires minimum 90% recovery of azadirachtin by HPLC.

China

Azadirachtin is registered as a biopesticide in China. Products include 0.3% EC (registration No. PD20101580) and other formulations. GB 2763-2021 sets a maximum residue limit of 1 mg/kg for azadirachtin in tea. China also imports neem seed material from India for domestic formulation production.

Organic Certification

Azadirachtin is approved for use in organic agriculture by multiple certifying bodies worldwide. It complies with EU Organic Regulation (EC) No 834/2007. It is also permitted under Japan JAS and India PGS-India standards.

Recommended Usage

Application Rate Guidelines

Application rates vary by formulation concentration, target pest, and crop type:

0.03% EC: 2-3 L/ha (for general pest control on vegetables and ornamentals)

0.15% EC: 1-2 L/ha (for moderate infestations)

0.3% EC: 0.5-1.5 L/ha (for heavy infestations)

1% EC: 0.2-0.5 L/ha (for targeted spot treatment)

Technical powder (20%): Dilute to desired concentration for custom formulation

Application Timing

Apply at the first sign of pest infestation or preventively before peak pest pressure. Early morning or late afternoon application is recommended to maximise efficacy and minimise photodegradation. Repeat applications at 7-14 day intervals may be needed for heavy infestations. Maximum 3-4 applications per crop cycle.

Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)

Azadirachtin has a 0-day pre-harvest interval in most jurisdictions, meaning treated crops may be harvested immediately after application. Always consult local registration requirements for specific crop and region.

Precautions

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Neem seed extract containing azadirachtin is an agricultural biopesticide. It must NOT be used as a dietary supplement, food additive, or cosmetic ingredient. Azadirachtin is strictly for agricultural pest control use only. Keep all neem seed extract products away from children, pets, and food handling areas. In case of accidental ingestion, seek immediate medical attention.

General Precautions

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during mixing and application, including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. Do not apply when bees are actively foraging. Avoid contamination of water bodies and aquatic habitats. Do not exceed recommended application rates.

Storage and Handling

Store in original sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Keep away from food, feed, and fertilizers. Avoid temperature extremes (below 5°C or above 40°C). In case of spillage, contain and dispose of according to local regulations.

Environmental Hazards

Azadirachtin is toxic to aquatic invertebrates and beneficial insects including honeybees and parasitic wasps. Do not apply to flowering crops during bloom when pollinators are active. Allow treated crops to dry completely before allowing livestock access to treated areas.

First Aid

If swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Seek immediate medical attention. If on skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If in eyes, rinse with clean water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. If inhaled, move to fresh air.

Disclaimer

This product is a biopesticide active ingredient for agricultural use. It is NOT a dietary supplement, food ingredient, or cosmetic raw material. Azadirachtin is registered as a pesticide active ingredient with the US EPA, EU member state authorities, India CIB&CR, and China’s pesticide registration authorities.

Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with local pesticide registration and application regulations. Product labels and safety data sheets (SDS) must be followed in all jurisdictions. This product should only be handled by trained agricultural professionals. Store out of reach of children and animals.

Neem seed extract should not be confused with neem leaf extract, which has different regulatory considerations. The seed kernel contains significantly higher azadirachtin concentrations than leaf material (seed: 3,000-10,000 ppm vs. leaf: 200-2,000 ppm).

Why Choose Nutralighting

‌Verified azadirachtin content: Every batch is HPLC-DAD tested for azadirachtin content against certified ‌CAS 11141-17-6‌ reference standard. A batch-specific COA is provided with each shipment.

‌Custom EC formulations: Our formulation team develops custom emulsifiable concentrate specifications tailored to your registration requirements. Contact us for details.

References

US EPA. “Azadirachtin; Pesticide Tolerance Exemption.” Federal Register, 40 CFR 180.970. EPA Office of Pesticide Programs.

US EPA. “Azadirachtin Fact Sheet.” OPP Chemical Code 121701. EPA/635/F-01/003F.

Butterworth, J. L., and Morgan, E. D. (1977). “Azadirachtin: a novel antifeedant from the Indian neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.).” Journal of Chemical Ecology, 3(4), 429-435.

Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&CR). “Specifications for Azadirachtin-based insecticides.” Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). “Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance azadirachtin.” EFSA Journal. 2013;11(11):3453.

FAO. “Azadirachtin: a natural insecticide.” FAO Plant Production and Protection Paper 159. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization; 2000.

Alibaba / Made-in-China supplier listings. “Azadirachtin 2% 5% 10% 20% 40% Technical Powder” – commercial COA data, verified CAS 11141-17-6, C35H44O16, MW 720.71.