the science behind why it works

For educational purposes only

Effect of Aloe vera Foliar Spray on Control of Insect Damage and Growth of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Seedlings

This article talks about aloe vera and the many things it can do for plants, especially seedlings. Among them are increased growth and resistance to environmental stressors.  

https://www.imedpub.com/articles/effect-of-aloe-vera-foliar-spray-on-control-of-insect-damage-and-growth-of-eggplant-solanum-melongena-l-seedlings.php?aid=26433

Start Using Aloe Vera To Protect And Nourish Your Cannabis Crop

This article talks all about aloe Vera and it’s many uses for cannabis plants and humans. Aloe Vera can provide micronutrients such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and manganese; as well as amino acids and enzymes. There are so many things that aloe can do, you’ll just have to read this one for yourself.  

https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-start-using-aloe-vera-to-protect-and-nourish-your-cannabis-crop-n1211

Systemic Acquired Resistance

Systemic acquired resistance is an amazing concept. Utilizing salicylic acid (which is in aloe Vera) plants produce defense systems that help protect them by increasing their resistance to invaders. It can even induce defense gene expression. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15283665/

Foliar spray of potassium silicate, aloe extract composite and their effect on growth and yielding capacity of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) under water deficit stress conditions

Foliar spray of potassium silicate, aloe extract composite and their effect on growth and yielding capacity of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) under water deficit stress conditions 

This journal talks about the value of combining aloe vera and potassium silicate and how they improve plant health in drought conditions. They found that the combination produced a significant growth increase in both the drought conditions and full irrigation. It also cites has many other interesting journals and articles on these two substances independently.  

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319562X22001097

For educational purposes only

Temperature-dependent fumigant activity of essential oils against twospotted spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae)
This journal was the basis for which the essential oils in Ez Neem were formulated. Both thyme oil and lemongrass oil worked better than 31 other essential oils against two spotted spider mites at different temperatures. Ez Neem's power comes from the synergistic combination of lemongrass oil and thyme oil. The variance in the chemical compounds of the essential oils makes it very difficult for biotic stressors to build up immunity or resistance against them. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21510187/

Acaricidal Activity and Synergistic Effect of Thyme Oil Constituents against Carmine Spider Mite (Tetranychus Cinnabarinus (Boisduval))

This journal is the reason why we added two different types of thyme oil to Ez Neem. It goes into detail about the different constituents of thyme oil and why the synergy among these various compounds contribute to overall toxicity. Using both red thyme oil (which contains the majority of diverse secondary compounds) and white thyme oil (which contains higher levels of the primary compounds) contributes to Ez Neem’s efficacy. “The toxicity of blends of selected constituents indicated a synergistic effect among the putatively active and inactive constituents, with the presence of all constituents necessary to reach the highest toxicity.” 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29104267/ 

Lemongrass toxicity 

"The extensive and arbitrary use of insecticides has resulted in the build-up of insecticide resistance and pesticide residues accumulating in food. Therefore, it is becoming evident that alternative pest management tools are needed to reduce risks to humans, the environment, and non-target organisms, and at the same time, they should be used in field application at the lowest cost. "

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8396863/

For educational purposes only

Official usda technical advisory on potassium silicate  

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Pot%20sil%20technical%20advisory%20panel%20report%202003.pdf

Silica in Plants: Biological, Biochemical and Chemical Studies 

This article talks about silicon’s role as an alleviator of biotic and abiotic stress. It also talks about the plant cell wall environment and the role silica plays in it. This article really goes into depth about what it can do and why it’s important. We highly recommend reading it.  

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2759229/

Interactions of silicone with essential and beneficial elements in plants 

This article talks about how silicone can increase nutrient availability in the rhizosphere.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2021.697592/full

Silica in Plants: Biological, Biochemical and Chemical Studies 

This article talks about silicon’s role as an alleviator of biotic and abiotic stress. It also talks about the plant cell wall environment and the role silica plays in it. This article really goes into depth about what it can do and why it’s important.  

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2759229/

For educational purposes only

Humid and fulvic acids as bio stimulants in horticulture  

From the article: “Current evidence suggests that the biostimulant effects of humic substances are characterized by both structural and physiological changes in roots and shoots related to nutrient uptake, assimilation and distribution. In addition, they can induce shifts in plant primary and secondary metabolism related to abiotic stress tolerance which collectively modulate plant growth as well as promoting fitness.” 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304423815301771?via%3Dihub

Discriminating the Short-Term Action of Root and Foliar Application of Humic Acids on Plant Growth: Emerging Role of Jasmonic Acid 

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2020.00493/full

Effect of foliar application of fulvic acid on plant growth and fruit quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) 

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13580-014-0004-y

For educational purposes only

What are insects and why do we need them? 

"They comprise over 80% of terrestrial species on Earth, and include bees, ants, butterflies, grasshoppers, and beetles, among many others. Insects drive the production of essential seeds, fruits, and vegetables via pollination, and are necessary decomposers of organic matter. Further, insects are keystone species that provide invaluable ecosystem services that extend beyond pollination, by providing biological control of pests, and acting as bio-indicators of healthy streams and soils. Insects form the base of complex ecological food webs in agricultural, natural, and urban areas, shaping the appearance, beauty and complexity of these diverse landscapes.

At the same time, many insects are significant pests of agricultural crops and urban areas. They spread diseases that can endanger human, plant, and animal health. Invasive insect species can destroy crops and upset the balance of healthy ecosystems, which threatens global biodiversity, food security, and human livelihoods. Additionally, insect-borne diseases cause millions of human deaths each year. Increasing globalization and changing climates are constantly reshaping the abundance, diversity, and distribution of insect communities. It is imperative that we understand the forces underlying where and how insects live, so we can maintain healthy and productive ecosystems that support beneficial insects and eradicate or minimize the impact of pest insects. "

https://www.huck.psu.edu/institutes-and-centers/insect-biodiversity-center/why-we-need-insects

This article does an amazing job at explaining how beneficial insects operate in a bio diverse ecosystem - pollinators, predators, and parasites. Highlighting the negative affects of pesticides, and how to select which beneficial insects to employ in your garden. 

https://cedarcirclefarm.org/tips/entry/beneficial-insects 

This article highlights the use of essential oils used in beekeeping for feeding and treatment of varroa mites in hives. Describes benefits of lemongrass and thyme oil due to their anti fungal and antibacterial properties.  

https://surrybeekeepers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/EssentialOilsInBeekeeping161113.pdf 

Discusses pollinator biology and use of insecticides or pesticides. Using insecticidal soap is proven essentially harmless to pollinators as once it is dry it cannot hurt them. 

“Pesticides should never be applied unless they are necessary to maintain plant health. Using preventive cover sprays, where pesticides are sprayed several times a year on a calendar basis, has been shown to create more pest problems than it solves. Not only do cover sprays create potential for pesticide runoff and increased human and pet exposure, they actually create pest problems by suppressing predators, parasitoids and diseases that keep plant pests under control. It is common to see outbreaks of spider mites, aphids and scale insects where pesticides are used. “ 

“Other characteristics of low impact pesticides are those that break down rapidly after application and therefore have minimal impact on pollinators and natural enemies. However, using these products requires some knowledge about their relative toxicity to beneficial insects and their potential to cause leaf or flower injury (phytotoxicity). “ 

Provides warning information about creating home made soaps vs buying an insecticide formulated specifically for plants.  

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how-to-control-invasive-pests-while-protecting-pollinators-and-other-beneficial-insects 

For educational purposes only

"Aphids can be tiny and can often be hard to spot with the naked eye. Various species can appear white, black, brown, gray, yellow, light green, or even pink! Some may have a waxy or woolly coating. They have pear-shaped bodies with long antennae; the nymphs (young aphids) look similar to the adults. Most species have two short tubes (called cornicles) projecting from their hind end. Adults are usually wingless, but most species can develop a winged form when populations become crowded, so that when food quality suffers, the insects can travel to other plants, reproduce, and start a new colony. Aphids usually feed in large groups, although you might occasionally see them singly or in small numbers."

"Signs of infestation on plants: misshapen, stunted, twisted, curly, or yellowing leaves. Flowers or fruit can become distorted or deformed due to feeding aphids. Some aphid species can cause galls to form on roots or leaves. Always check undersides of leaves as that is where they tend to congregate." There are over 1,350 species of aphids in North America, and about 5,000 worldwide.

Beneficial insects that can help naturally control population:  

Green Lacewings

Assassin bugs  

Pirate bugs  

Ladybugs  

Parasitic wasps  

https://www.almanac.com/pest/aphids

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/aphids-2/

For educational purposes only

Mealybugs are attracted to warmer climates, which includes inside your home, often times by bringing an infested plant into your home from a nursery or big box store. These bugs are small and white, and typically like to feed off of new growth points (particularly succulents). Mealybugs are sap suckers, and cause damage that can be observed as yellowing leaves, stunting, and “dieback” or death of plants. They also secret honeydew, which supports the growth of black sooty-like mold on plants (creating another problem outside of the infestation itself). As with many pest bugs, mealybugs will require several treatments to control their population. It is recommended that heavily infested plants be quarantined and treated with an insecticidal soap. Many houseplant owners use rubbing alcohol, which can negatively impact or damage  the leaves of plants. 

Beneficial insects that can help naturally control infestation:  

Ladybug/Ladybird/Lady beetle (formally known as Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) all are appropriate names: they are a darker brown color than the normal ‘ladybug’ we may regularly see; they are literally referred to as “mealybug destroyers” and were specifically imported to the United States from Australia in 1891 to control groves of mealybugs 

Pirate Bugs  

Green & Brown lacewings  

Spiders  

https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-15_ladybug_mealybug_destroyer.htm 

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mealybugs-indoor-plants

For educational purposes only

Fungus gnats are black mosquito-like looking insects who generally appear in warm environments. In their most damaging stage (when they are worm-like in soil). “Eggs are laid in damp media where they hatch within 3 days at 75°F. Hatched larvae feed on a variety of organic matter: decaying material in the media, fungi, or root hairs. Feeding occurs for about 10 days after which larvae pupate. Adults emerge after 4 days and reproduce shortly thereafter.” 

Typically fungus gnats lay eggs in common areas of plants, including top layers of soil and mulches. “Fungus gnats mature through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid in damp media where they hatch within 3 days at 75°F. Hatched larvae feed on a variety of organic matter: decaying material in the media, fungi, or root hairs. Feeding occurs for about 10 days after which larvae pupate. Adults emerge after 4 days and reproduce shortly thereafter.”

"Signs of infestation include sudden wilting, poor growth, yellowing, and foliage (leaf) loss. Sometimes damage can be misdiagnosed as nutrient or water deficiency. Adult fungus gnats can vector in diseases like Pythium, Fusarium and Verticilium. "

Beneficial insects that can help naturally control population:  

Stenernema feltiae 

Hypoaspis miles (aka Stratiolaelaps scimitis)  

Dalitia Corinna (rove beetle)  

https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/pest-solver-guide-fungus-gnats

http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7448.html#:~:text=Fungus%20gnats%20are%20small%20flies,potted%20plants%20and%20interior%20plantscapes.

https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/essential-oils-that-prevent-pests-zspz2105zper/

For educational purposes only

"Thrips are attracted to bright colors, including humans. They may fly on to human skin or clothing, thus easily infesting your garden/plant space. Thrips range from pale yellow to black, depending on species. There are over 5000 species of thrips. The life cycle of thrips consists of the egg stage, followed by two larval stages, two pupal stages, and finally the adult stage. Peak population occurs in early spring and into summer."

"Thrips damage includes streaks, silvery speckling, and small white patches. This happens because the thrips suck plant cells from many garden plants, flowers, fruits, and shade trees. If you have a major infestation of thrips, your plants might be stunted with damaged flowers and fruit. The damage that you notice might instead come from the virus that the thrips spread ."

Beneficial insects that can help naturally control population:  

Amblyseius cucumeris  

Stratiolaelaps scimitus   

Pirate bugs  

Ladybugs 

Companion plants that can help repel: garlic, basil, oregano  

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1158

https://www.almanac.com/pest/thrips#:~:text=Thrips%20damage%20includes%20streaks%2C%20silvery,with%20damaged%20flowers%20and%20fruit.