Soybean oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of Glycine with many properties and uses.
In the fall season, it can be used to shelter plants from frost and wind and, more importantly, to combat issues such as mealybugs due to its invigorating action
There are multiple species of mealybug:
From the citrus mealybug to the “black scale” that affects trees such as fig and olive trees, infestations are a classic problem of citrus and various other fruit plants, and there are several remedies available.
Unfortunately white oil is still the most widely used remedy.
White oil is a mineral oil derived from petroleum.
After a refining process it is cleaned of the most toxic substances and can be used in organic farming.
It represents the most widely used remedy against a range of pests.
Evidently because of its origin, however, it is less environmentally friendly than other remedies!
Soybean oil is an excellent vegetable alternative
In fact performs the same function, but more environmentally friendly.
The use of this oil promotes the elimination of harmful insects.
How?
It acts on target insects through a mechanical suffocating action, covering the body of the mealybug like a veil until it asphyxiates to death.
Is soybean oil selective in its own right?
Soybean oil is not selective in its own right, but its action is especially effective on small, soft tegumented insects.
However, with targeted treatments in the evening hours, it is easy to hit the target insect without suffering collateral losses.
Other uses of soybean oil
In addition to mealybugs, soybean oil can be used against aphids, red spider mite and other mites, whitefly, leaf miners, thrips, pear psyll.
Finally, it also has action on insect eggs (lepidoptera, beetles, bugs).
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