Towards Healthy and Sustainable Agriculture

In an era where environmental and health awareness has become a pressing necessity, natural pest control emerges as an ideal solution for farmers seeking to produce healthy vegetables free from harmful chemicals. Organic pest control Methods for Vegetable Farmingis not merely an alternative to chemical pesticides; it is an integrated agricultural philosophy based on a deep understanding of ecological balance and building a strong, resilient farming system.

This philosophy is based on three main pillars:

• Prevention: Building strong, resistant plants through balanced nutrition and optimal care
• Continuous Monitoring: Early detection of any infestation before it escalates
• Early Intervention: Using natural solutions at the first sign of pests

In this comprehensive guide, we will review in detail the most important natural materials used in pest control, with precise concentrations for each crop, preparation methods, application schedules, and necessary precautions.

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 Natural Plant-Based Pesticides

1. Neem Oil - The Universal Organic Pesticide for Organic Vegetable Farming

Overview

Neem oil is a natural extract from the seeds of the Indian neem tree (Azadirachta indica), and is considered one of the most effective and comprehensive natural pesticides. It contains more than 50 biologically active compounds, the most important being Azadirachtin, which works in three main ways:

• Feeding Deterrent: Makes the plant unpalatable to insects
• Growth Inhibitor: Disrupts the insect life cycle and prevents molting
• Reproduction Inhibitor: Reduces insect fertility and prevents egg-laying

Detailed Concentrations by Pest Type

A. For Sucking Insects (Aphids, Whiteflies, Thrips, Mealybugs)

• Light Preventive Concentration:

  • 5 ml neem oil + 2 ml natural liquid soap + 1 liter water
  • Use: Weekly preventive spray before infestation appears
  • Timing: Early morning (5-7 AM) or evening (after 6 PM)

• Medium Treatment Concentration:

  • 10 ml neem oil + 3 ml liquid soap + 1 liter water
  • Use: When small numbers of insects appear
  • Frequency: Every 5-7 days
  • Method: Comprehensive coverage of leaves on both sides

• Intensive Treatment Concentration:

  • 20 ml neem oil + 5 ml liquid soap + 1 liter water
  • Use: For severe and widespread infestations
  • Frequency: Every 3-4 days for two weeks
  • Addition: 5 ml white vinegar to enhance effectiveness

B. For Chewing Insects (Caterpillars, Worms, Small Locusts)

• Recommended Concentration:
  • 15-20 ml neem oil + 10 ml molasses + 3 ml liquid soap + 1 liter water
  • Molasses: Acts as an attractant bait for caterpillars
  • Frequency: Every 4-5 days during larval activity
  • Application: Concentrated spray on young leaves and plant center

C. For Fungal Diseases (Powdery Mildew, Blights, Leaf Spots)

• Antifungal Concentration:
  • 10 ml neem oil + 5 grams baking soda + 3 ml liquid soap + 1 liter water
  • Use: Preventive in humid and cold weather
  • Frequency: Weekly during rainy seasons
  • Note: Baking soda changes surface pH and prevents fungal growth

Application Schedule for Different Crops

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

During the seedling stage (0–3 weeks), apply the solution at a concentration of 5 ml per liter of water every 10 days. This stage focuses on general prevention, and a light spray on the leaves is sufficient. In the vegetative growth stage (4–6 weeks), increase the concentration to 10 ml per liter and spray every 7 days to control aphids and whiteflies. Ensure complete foliage coverage for maximum effectiveness. During the flowering and fruit set stage (7–9 weeks), use a concentration of 7 ml per liter, applied every 7 days, targeting fruit worms and thrips. It is best to spray in the evening to protect pollinators. Finally, at the fruit ripening stage (10 weeks and beyond), apply 5 ml per liter every 10 days to prevent fungal diseases, but stop spraying at least 7 days before harvest.

Additional Tips for Tomatoes:

• Add 50 ml whey/liter for late blight prevention
• Concentrated spray on lower stem to prevent stem borers
• Check lower leaves weekly (insect hiding places)

Application Schedule for Cucumbers and Cucurbits (Cucumber, Zucchini, Pumpkin, Melon)

For cucumbers, apply the solution at a concentration of 8–10 ml per liter of water every 5–7 days. This helps control powdery mildew, aphids, and spider mites. Spraying should be done in the evening (after 6 PM) for best results.

For zucchini, use a concentration of 10 ml per liter and spray every 7 days to protect against whiteflies and thrips. Apply the spray early in the morning to avoid leaf burn and enhance effectiveness.

For pumpkins, prepare the solution at 10 ml per liter and spray every 10 days to manage squash borers and aphids. The ideal time for spraying is in the evening when insect activity decreases.

For melons and watermelons, use 8 ml per liter of water and apply every 7 days, targeting fruit flies and aphids. Spray before flowering and again after fruit set to ensure healthy fruit development and protection throughout the growing cycle.

Special Guidelines for Cucurbits:

• Evening spraying is essential to avoid affecting bees (cucurbits are bee-pollinated)
• Avoid spraying during heavy flowering
• Focus on lower leaves (where powdery mildew starts)
• Add 5 grams micronized sulfur to prevent spider mites

Application Schedule for Peppers and Eggplant (Solanaceae)

For sweet pepper, apply the solution at a concentration of 10 ml per liter of water throughout all growth stages, spraying every 7 days to control aphids, thrips, and fruit worms. Consistent coverage helps maintain plant vigor and fruit quality.

For hot pepper, use a slightly lower concentration of 8 ml per liter, applied every 10 days. This is sufficient since hot pepper plants are naturally repellent to many pests, especially aphids.

For eggplant during the vegetative growth stage, apply 12 ml per liter every 5 days to combat Colorado potato beetles and stem borers. Focus the spray on both leaf surfaces and the lower stems where pests often hide.

During the fruiting stage of eggplant, reduce the concentration to 10 ml per liter and spray every 7 days to control scale insects and mealybugs, ensuring clean fruits and healthy plant growth.

Special Treatments:

• For Eggplant: Check stems weekly for borer holes, inject concentrated solution (20 ml/L) into holes using a syringe
• For Peppers: Add 10 ml garlic extract to enhance flavor and repel fruit worms
• Stop spraying 5-7 days before harvest

Application Schedule for Brassicas (Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts)

For cabbage, apply a solution of 12 ml per liter of water every 5 days to control cabbage worms and caterpillars. Focus the spray on the heart and inner leaves, where larvae usually hide and feed.

For cauliflower, use the same concentration of 12 ml per liter, applied every 5 days against white butterflies and aphids. Ensure you cover the developing head thoroughly to prevent pest damage.

For broccoli, prepare the solution at 10 ml per liter and spray every 7 days to manage green aphids and caterpillars. Direct the spray toward the tops and buds for best protection.

For Brussels sprouts, use 12 ml per liter every 5 days, targeting cabbage worms. Be sure to spray the leaf axils, as pests often shelter there.

Important Additions for Brassicas:

• Add 5 ml white vinegar for double effect on caterpillars
• Add 50 ml molasses as bait to attract caterpillars from the heart
• Manual inspection and removal of large caterpillars before spraying
• Safety period: Stop 10 days before harvest

Application Schedule for Legumes (Beans, Peas, Cowpeas, Green Beans)

For green beans, use a concentration of 7 ml per liter of water and spray every 10 days. A moderate concentration is recommended to avoid negatively affecting the nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil.

For peas, apply 7 ml per liter every 10 days, ensuring that you spray the leaves only and avoid wetting the soil around the roots.

For cowpeas, use a slightly higher concentration of 8 ml per liter, spraying every 7 days. Cowpeas are generally more aphid-resistant than other legumes, but regular protection is still beneficial.

For fava beans, apply 7 ml per liter every 10 days with a very light spray to minimize stress on the plants while providing effective pest control.

Important Warnings for Legumes:

• High concentration can affect Rhizobium bacteria that fix nitrogen
• Avoid direct soil spray around stems
• Focus on growing tips (where aphids congregate)
• Don't spray during heavy flowering

Application Schedule for Leafy Vegetables (Lettuce, Spinach, Arugula, Cilantro, Parsley, Celery)

For lettuce, apply a concentration of 5 ml per liter of water every 10 days. Maintain a safety period of 7 days before harvest, and soak the leaves in water with vinegar for 10 minutes before consumption.

For spinach, use 5 ml per liter every 10 days, observing a 7-day safety period. Wash thoroughly using repeated rinses under running water to remove residues.

For arugula, apply 4 ml per liter every 14 days, allowing a 10-day safety period. Before eating, soak in salt water and then rinse to ensure cleanliness.

For cilantro and parsley, spray 5 ml per liter every 10 days, with a 7-day safety period. Wash carefully leaf by leaf to remove any remaining solution or pests.

For celery, use 6 ml per liter every 7 days, keeping a 7-day safety period. Pay attention to cleaning the stems thoroughly before consumption.

Special Precautions for Leafy Vegetables:

• Use the lowest possible concentration (leaves are delicate and sensitive)
• Spray very early morning (before sunrise)
• Avoid direct spray on leaves ready to harvest
• Strict adherence to safety period
• Mandatory washing before consumption

Application Schedule for Alliums (Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Spring Onions)

For onions, apply a solution of 8 ml per liter of water every 14 days. This treatment enhances plant resistance and improves storage life of the bulbs.

For garlic, use 7 ml per liter every 14 days, which helps increase sulfur content and improve flavor.

For leeks, apply 8 ml per liter every 10 days to reduce onion fly infestations and maintain healthy growth.

For spring onions, use 6 ml per liter every 10 days. This concentration protects the delicate green leaves while supporting steady development.

Tips for Alliums:

• Focus on spraying leaves, not the bulbs themselves
• Neem interacts positively with sulfur compounds in alliums
• Preventive spray more important than treatment (alliums are relatively resistant)

Root Vegetables (Carrots, Radishes, Beets, Turnips)

Crop	Concentration	Frequency	Application
Carrots	7 ml/L	Every 10 days	Spray leaves, protects from carrot fly
Radishes	5 ml/L	Every 14 days	Light spray (short cycle)
Beets	8 ml/L	Every 10 days	Protects leaves from caterpillars
Turnips	7 ml/L	Every 10 days	Prevention from soil insects

Optimal Preparation Method for Neem Solution

Detailed Steps:

1. Water Preparation:

   • Use water at 35-40°C (warm, not hot)
   • Hot water destroys active compounds
   • Cold water doesn't help proper mixing

2. Soap Dissolution:

   • Add liquid soap to water first
   • Stir well until completely dissolved
   • Soap acts as an emulsifier to mix oil with water

3. Adding Neem Oil:

   • Add oil gradually (in small batches)
   • Stir continuously and vigorously for 3-5 minutes
   • Use a hand blender to get a homogeneous emulsion

4. Optional Additions:

   • 5 ml white vinegar (lowers pH and increases effectiveness)
   • 10 ml molasses (attractant bait for caterpillars)
   • 5 grams baking soda (for fungal diseases)

5. Pre-Use Testing:

   • Shake bottle well
   • If oil separates from water within minutes, add more soap
   • Good emulsion stays homogeneous for 2-3 hours

6. Immediate Application:

   • Use solution within 6-8 hours of preparation
   • Shake sprayer every 10-15 minutes during spraying
   • Don't store diluted solution (loses effectiveness)

Optimal Spray Timing

By Season:

• Summer (June-September):

  • Early morning: 5:00-7:00 AM (before heat rises)
  • Evening: After 6:00 PM (after sunset)
  • Avoid: Midday spraying (heat causes leaf burn)

• Fall and Spring (March-May, October-November):

  • Morning: 7:00-9:00 AM
  • Evening: 4:00-6:00 PM
  • Best seasons for spraying (moderate temperature)

• Winter (December-February):

  • Midday: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM (when temperature rises slightly)
  • Avoid: Early morning spray (dew and cold delay drying)

By Weather:

• Avoid Spraying in These Conditions:

  • Just before rain (washes solution away)
  • During strong winds (disperses solution)
  • At temperatures above 35°C
  • When heavy dew is present on leaves

• Best Conditions for Spraying:

  • Clear or partially cloudy sky
  • Temperature 20-30°C
  • Relative humidity 50-70%
  • Light winds or calm

Proper Neem Oil Storage

Storage Conditions:

1. Temperature:

   • 15-25°C (room temperature)
   • Avoid freezing (destroys active compounds)
   • Avoid high heat (above 30°C)

2. Light:

   • Dark glass bottles (brown or green)
   • Store in dark place (light oxidizes oil)
   • Avoid direct sunlight exposure

3. Air:

   • Seal container tightly after each use
   • Fill bottle to the brim (minimize air inside)
   • Use small containers instead of large ones

4. Shelf Life:

   • Pure neem oil: 2-3 years
   • After opening: 12-18 months
   • Diluted solution: 6-8 hours only
   • Stored emulsion: 2-3 days in refrigerator

Signs of Oil Spoilage:

• Color change from golden to black or dark green
• Abnormal pungent smell (rancid)
• Formation of layers or heavy sediments
• Won't mix with water even with soap
• Loss of characteristic odor

Potential Side Effects and How to Avoid Them

On Plants:

1. Leaf Burn:

   • Cause: Too high concentration or spraying in extreme heat
   • Symptoms: Brown spots, yellowing, dry edges
   • Solution: Dilute concentration by 50%, spray in cool times
   • Prevention: Test concentration on one leaf first

2. Growth Delay:

   • Cause: Excessive use (more than twice weekly)
   • Symptoms: Slow growth, small leaf size
   • Solution: Stop spraying for two weeks, fertilize with compost
   • Prevention: Adhere to recommended spray schedule

On Beneficial Insects:

1. Effect on Bees:

   • Neem oil is relatively safe for bees once dried on leaves
   • Risk: Spraying during bee activity (late morning)
   • Solution: Spray in evening after bees return to hives
   • Note: Avoid spraying open flowers

2. Effect on Ladybugs and Lacewings:

   • Mild to moderate effect on larvae
   • Solution: Targeted spraying (on harmful insects only)
   • Prevention: Leave parts of farm unsprayed (refuge for beneficial insects)

Advanced Tips for Increased Effectiveness

1. Rotation with Other Materials:

   • Week 1: Neem oil
   • Week 2: Garlic and pepper solution
   • Week 3: Potassium soap
   • Week 4: Neem oil
   • Benefit: Prevents development of pest resistance

2. Integration with Biological Control:

   • Use neem in morning and natural predators in evening
   • Wait 48 hours after neem spray before releasing beneficial insects
   • Focus on neem early season and biocontrol mid-season

3. Integration with Nutrition:

   • Spray neem 3-4 days after fertilization (well-fed plants respond better)
   • Add seaweed extract to neem (enhances resistance)
   • Avoid spraying immediately after foliar feeding

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2. Garlic and Pepper Solution - The Sulfuric Hot Weapon

Active Ingredients and Mechanism of Action

Garlic (Allium sativum):

• Allicin: Organic sulfur compound produced when garlic cells are crushed, has broad-spectrum pesticidal effect
• Ajoene: Powerful antifungal and antibacterial agent
• Sulfur Compounds: Repel insects with their pungent odor
• Mechanism: Disrupts insect digestive system, dissolves waxy layer, repels by smell

Hot Pepper (Capsicum spp.):

• Capsaicin: Heat compound that causes severe irritation to insects
• Capsanthin: Red pigment with antioxidant and repellent properties
• Flavonoids: Compounds that enhance plant resistance
• Mechanism: Irritates body wall, prevents feeding, immediate insect repulsion

Concentrated Basic Recipe

Ingredients for Stock Solution:

• 200 grams fresh peeled and finely crushed garlic
• 100 grams fresh hot peppers (red chili or habanero) finely chopped with seeds
• 50 grams fresh ginger, finely grated
• 50 grams ground black pepper
• 2 liters pure water
• 50 ml ethyl alcohol 70% (pharmaceutical)
• 20 ml vegetable oil (olive or sunflower)
• 15 ml natural liquid soap

Detailed Preparation Steps:

Stage One: Alcohol Extraction (24-48 hours)

1. Place crushed garlic and chopped pepper in sealed glass container
2. Add ethyl alcohol to completely cover ingredients
3. Seal tightly and leave in dark place for 48 hours
4. Shake gently twice daily
5. Benefit: Alcohol efficiently extracts capsaicin and allicin

Stage Two: Water Extraction (30-45 minutes)

1. Boil 1.5 liters water in stainless steel or heat-resistant glass pot
2. Lower heat to minimum
3. Add black pepper and grated ginger
4. Cook on very low heat for 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes
5. Cool to room temperature (25-30°C)

Stage Three: Mixing and Filtering

1. Mix alcohol extract with water extract
2. Add remaining water (500 ml)
3. Filter through double medical gauze or very fine strainer
4. Squeeze residue well to extract all liquids
5. Add vegetable oil and liquid soap
6. Shake vigorously for 2-3 minutes to get homogeneous emulsion

Stage Four: Storage

1. Fill solution in dark, tightly sealed bottles
2. Attach clear warning label (Natural pesticide - Keep away from children)
3. Store in refrigerator (lower refrigerator door ideal)
4. Shelf life: 3-4 weeks in refrigerator, 1 week at room temperature

Detailed Concentrations and Uses

Dilution Table by Pest:

Specialized Uses by Crop

Tomatoes - Fruit Worm and Borer Control

Special Formula:

• 300 ml garlic and pepper solution (1:3)
• 10 ml neem oil
• 30 ml molasses
• 5 grams baking soda
• 1 liter water

Spray Program:

• Weeks 1-2 from fruit set: Preventive spray twice weekly
• Weeks 3-5: Spray every 4 days (peak fruit worm activity)
• Week 6 to harvest: Weekly spray

Application Method:

• Spray flowers and small fruits with concentration
• Spray lower stems (borer prevention)
• Spray in evening (6-8 PM)
• Stop 7 days before harvest

Success Indicators:

• Absence of larvae on flowers
• No holes in small fruits
• Healthy stems without openings

Peppers - Preventing Fruit Damage and Aphid Protection

Special Formula:

• 200 ml garlic and pepper solution (1:6 light concentration)
• 5 ml neem oil
• 1 liter water

Important Note:

• Peppers are already hot, so light concentration is sufficient
• High concentration may increase fruit heat undesirably
• Focus on repelling insects rather than direct impact

Spray Program:

• Preventive spray every 10 days throughout season
• Treatment spray (when aphids appear) every 5 days for two weeks
• Stop 5 days before harvest

Target Areas:

• Growing tips (where aphids congregate)
• Small fruits (damage prevention)
• Lower leaf surface

Cucumbers and Zucchini - Powdery Mildew and Spider Mite Control

Antifungal Formula:

• 250 ml garlic and pepper solution (1:4)
• 10 grams baking soda
• 5 ml neem oil
• 100 ml whey
• 1 liter water

Spray Program:

• Prevention: Weekly spray throughout season
• Early Treatment: Every 3 days at first sign of mildew
• Intensive Treatment: Daily spray for 5 days then every 3 days

Effective Application Method:

• Complete coverage of upper and lower leaf surfaces
• Focus on lower old leaves (source of infection)
• Spray to runoff point
• Remove severely infected leaves before spraying

Optimal Timing:

• Early morning (5-7 AM) in summer
• Before noon (10-12 PM) in winter
• Avoid spraying when dew is on leaves

Eggplant - Colorado Potato Beetle and Stem Borer

Strong Formula:

• 350 ml garlic and pepper solution (1:3 strong concentration)
• 15 ml neem oil
• 20 ml medical alcohol 70%
• 10 ml liquid soap
• 1 liter water

For Colorado Potato Beetle Control:

• Spray upper and lower leaf surfaces
• Focus on young leaves (beetle preference)
• Manual collection of beetles and larvae before spraying
• Spray every 4 days during beetle activity season (May-July)

For Stem Borer Control:

• Weekly stem inspection for holes or sawdust
• When infestation discovered: inject concentrated solution (1:2) directly into opening using medical syringe
• Seal opening with clay and crushed garlic paste
• Weekly preventive spray of lower stems
• Focus on plant stem up to 30 cm from soil

Brassicas - Cabbage Worm and Caterpillars

Attractant Formula:

• 300 ml garlic and pepper solution (1:3)
• 50 ml molasses (strong attractant bait)
• 10 ml apple cider vinegar
• 5 ml liquid soap
• 1 liter water

Integrated Control Strategy:

Stage One - Manual Collection:

• Inspect plants morning and evening
• Remove eggs from lower leaf surface
• Manually collect large caterpillars and drown in soapy water
• Check plant heart (caterpillar's favorite place)

Stage Two - Attractant Spray:

• Spray attractant solution in evening (caterpillars are active at night)
• Focus on spraying plant heart and inside folded leaves
• Spray lower surface of outer leaves
• Repeat every 3-4 days

Stage Three - Follow-up:

• Morning inspection for dead or weak caterpillars
• Remove them from plant
• Evaluate treatment effectiveness after one week
• Adjust concentration if necessary

Critical Timing:

• April-May: Peak white butterfly activity season
• Intensive spray: Every 3 days during this period
• Rest of season: Weekly preventive spray

Onions and Garlic - Onion Fly and Thrips

Light Formula:

• 200 ml garlic and pepper solution (1:5)
• 1 liter water
• No additions (to avoid interference with natural onion compounds)

Special Notes:

• Onions and garlic contain natural sulfur compounds
• External garlic spray enhances natural resistance
• Light concentration is sufficient and doesn't interfere with plant growth
• Avoid heavy spraying on formed bulbs

Prevention Program:

• Preventive spray every two weeks
• Focus on leaves (not bulbs)
• Spray soil around plants (against onion fly)
• Stop 3 weeks before harvest

Leafy Vegetables - General Insect Repellent

Ultra-Diluted Formula:

• 150 ml garlic and pepper solution (1:8)
• 1 liter water
• 3 ml liquid soap only

Strict Precautions:

• Leaves are delicate and sensitive: High concentration causes immediate burns
• Very light spray: Fine mist, not direct spray
• Critical timing: Very early morning before sunrise (4-5 AM)
• Safety period: Stop at least 10 days before harvest

Mandatory Washing Method:

1. Initial rinse with cold running water for 2-3 minutes
2. Soak in water-vinegar solution (1 tablespoon vinegar/liter water) for 10 minutes
3. Final rinse with clean water
4. Drain well and dry

Legumes - Light Protection

Moderate Formula:

• 200 ml garlic and pepper solution (1:6)
• 1 liter water
• No chemical additions

Important Warnings:

• Legumes are sensitive to high-concentration sulfur compounds
• Intensive spraying affects Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules
• Focus on spraying leaves only (avoid soil around stem)
• Don't spray during heavy flowering

Recommended Program:

• Preventive spray every 10-14 days
• Treatment spray (when aphids appear) every 7 days
• Focus on growing tips
• Stop during heavy flowering

Compound Recipes for Maximum Effectiveness

Recipe #1: Severe and Complex Infestations

Ingredients:

• 150 ml garlic and pepper solution
• 100 ml neem extract
• 50 ml potassium soap
• 10 ml peppermint oil
• 20 grams baking soda
• 1 liter water

Use:

• For multiple infestations (insects + fungi)
• Spray every 3 days for two weeks
• Then every 5 days for two weeks
• Then weekly for prevention

Triple Effectiveness:

• Garlic and pepper: Rapid repulsion and killing
• Neem oil: Extended effect and feeding deterrent
• Baking soda + soap: Fungal control and better adhesion

Recipe #2: Scale Insects and Mealybugs

Ingredients:

• 200 ml garlic and pepper solution (1:3)
• 30 ml ethyl alcohol 70%
• 20 ml liquid soap
• 10 ml vegetable oil
• 1 liter water

Mechanism:

• Alcohol: Dissolves protective waxy layer
• Pepper: Irritates and repels
• Soap: Suffocates insects
• Oil: Covers and prevents breathing

Proper Application:

1. Direct concentrated spray on infestation sites
2. Use soft toothbrush to scrub scale insects
3. Spray again after scrubbing
4. Repeat every 5 days for 3 weeks
5. Follow up weekly thereafter

Recipe #3: Rodents and Wild Rabbits

Ingredients:

• 500 ml garlic and pepper solution (1:2 very concentrated)
• 50 ml pure peppermint oil
• 100 grams additional fresh crushed garlic
• 30 ml white vinegar
• 500 ml water

Preparation:

• Not used for spraying but for painting
• Prepared as thick paste

Application:

1. Paint lower plant stems (up to 30 cm height)
2. Paint bed edges and pathways
3. Place cotton balls soaked in solution around farm
4. Renew after each rain or weekly
5. Add fresh hot pepper strips around valuable plants

Expected Results:

• Rodents completely avoid area within 2-3 days
• Pungent odor lasts 5-7 days
• Safe for plants (external painting only)

Fermented Extract - Double Strength

Special Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500 grams finely crushed garlic
• 200 grams chopped hot pepper
• 50 grams raw brown sugar
• 10 grams natural brewer's yeast
• 2 liters warm water

Fermentation Steps:

Day 1:

• Mix all ingredients in large glass container
• Cover with clean cotton cloth (to allow air entry)
• Place in warm location (25-30°C)

Days 2-7:

• Stir twice daily with clean wooden spoon
• Notice bubbles appearing (sign of active fermentation)
• Pungent fermented smell (normal)
• White foam layer forms (good sign)

Day 7:

• Filter through clean cloth
• Squeeze residue well
• Store in refrigerator in sealed glass containers

Additional Benefits of Fermentation:

• Beneficial bacteria multiplication: Produces additional biological compounds
• Improved absorption: Fermented compounds are more easily absorbed
• Double effect: Pesticide + biological plant stimulant
• Longer effectiveness period: Effect lasts one week instead of 3 days

Use:

• Dilution: 1:10 (100 ml fermented extract : 1 liter water)
• Frequency: Weekly
• Best for: Tomatoes, cucumbers, cucurbits
• Double benefit: Works as bio-fertilizer and pesticide simultaneously

Concentrated Garlic Oil - For Long-Lasting Effectiveness

Preparation:

Ingredients:

• 300 grams very finely crushed garlic
• 300 ml light mineral oil or pure vegetable oil
• 50 grams finely ground hot pepper

Steps:

1. Mix crushed garlic with oil in glass container
2. Add ground pepper
3. Stir well until homogeneous
4. Seal container tightly
5. Leave for 48-72 hours in cool, dark place
6. Shake daily for one minute
7. Filter through double gauze cloth
8. Store in dark bottle

Dilution for Use:

• 10 ml garlic oil
• 5 ml liquid soap
• 1 liter warm water
• Shake vigorously for two minutes

Advantages:

• Superior adhesion: Oil adheres to leaves for long time
• Rain resistance: Not easily washed off
• Extended effect: Lasts 10-14 days
• Economical: Small amount sufficient for large areas

Ideal Use:

• Monthly preventive spray for eggplant and peppers
• Treatment of scale insects on tomatoes
• Long-term protection for ornamental plants around farm

Strict Safety Precautions

During Preparation:

Mandatory Protective Equipment:

• Thick rubber gloves (nitrile preferred)
• Tight-fitting safety goggles
• N95 mask or mask with filter
• Plastic apron (clothing absorbs odor)
• Work in well-ventilated area (outdoors is best)

Handling Rules:

1. Never touch face during work
2. Prepare all tools beforehand (to avoid searching with contaminated hands)
3. Use dedicated tools not used for food afterward
4. Work in daylight (good visibility = greater safety)
5. Keep children and pets away at least 10 meters distance

During Spraying:

Pre-Spray Preparation:

• Check wind direction (stand with wind at back)
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants
• Use good quality sprayer (no leaks)
• Prepare clean water for emergency washing

During Operation:

• Don't spray on windy days (solution drift is dangerous)
• Avoid spraying above head level (solution may fall on face)
• Take break every 15-20 minutes (continuous exposure is exhausting)
• Drink plenty of water (fluid compensation)

After Spraying:

• Wash hands and face immediately with cold water and soap
• Remove used clothing and wash separately
• Shower with cold water (not hot - hot water opens pores)
• Wash spray equipment thoroughly with soap and water
• Good ventilation of area

In Case of Emergency:

Eye Contact:

1. Immediate washing with cold running water for 15 continuous minutes
2. Never rub eyes
3. Use sterile eye drops after washing
4. Go to doctor if irritation persists more than 30 minutes
5. Don't use milk or oil in eyes

Skin Contact:

1. Immediate washing with cold water and soap for 5 minutes
2. Apply vegetable oil (olive or coconut) to reduce burning
3. Cold compresses if irritation continues
4. Avoid rubbing (increases absorption)
5. Light moisturizing cream after 30 minutes

Inhalation:

1. Exit immediately to fresh air
2. Slow deep breathing
3. Drink cold water
4. Rest in sitting position
5. Go to doctor if breathing difficulty occurs

Accidental Swallowing:

1. Drink glass of cold milk immediately
2. Don't induce vomiting (increases irritation)
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Go to doctor or call poison control center
5. Bring solution sample to doctor

Safe and Long-Term Storage

Ideal Storage Conditions:

Temperature:

• Concentrated stock solution: Refrigerator (2-8°C) - best option
• Diluted solution: Immediate use (don't store more than 24 hours)
• Avoid freezing: Destroys structure of active compounds

Light:

• Dark glass bottles (brown or green)
• Store in dark cabinet or box
• Why? Light oxidizes capsaicin and reduces effectiveness

Air:

• Fill bottles to brim (minimize air space)
• Seal tightly after each use
• Use caps with rubber ring seal

Warning Labels: Must contain:

• "Natural Pesticide - Garlic and Hot Pepper"
• "Keep out of reach of children"
• "Danger - Causes severe irritation"
• Preparation date
• Expiration date
• Concentration percentage
• Emergency phone number

Shelf Life:

• Stock solution in refrigerator: 3-4 weeks
• Stock solution at room temperature: 7-10 days
• Diluted solution: 8-12 hours only
• Fermented extract: 2-3 months in refrigerator
• Garlic oil: 2-3 months in cool, dark place

Signs of Spoilage:

• Rancid smell (different from natural pungent odor)
• Color change to very dark brown or black
• Mold or fungi appearing on surface
• Complete separation of ingredients with no mixing when shaken
• Loss of pungent odor (sign of lost effectiveness)

Safe Disposal:

• Don't pour directly into sewage (harms beneficial bacteria)
• Dilute with lots of water (1:50) then pour into soil away from plants
• Or pour into deep hole and cover with soil
• Wash containers well before reusing

Important Environmental and Ethical Notes

Impact on Beneficial Insects:

The Truth: Garlic and pepper extract is not selective - affects both harmful and beneficial insects.

Solutions:

1. Targeted spraying: Spray pests directly, not general spraying
2. Smart timing: Spray in evening when bees are in hives
3. Partial spraying: Leave parts of farm unsprayed (refuge for beneficial insects)
4. Avoid flowers: Don't spray open flowers during pollination

Impact on Soil Organisms:

Note: Concentrated solution can temporarily affect beneficial soil microorganisms.

Prevention:

• Spray leaves only, avoid excessive soil spraying
• Use moderate concentrations
• Allow 2-3 weeks between applications for soil recovery
• Add compost after treatment to restore microbial balance

Responsibility Towards Neighbors:

Important:

• Notify neighbors before spraying (especially if they keep bees)
• Spray when there's no wind towards neighbors
• Respect organic farming boundaries
• Don't contaminate shared water sources