Spraying The New Foliage On My Citrus Trees

[Millet]

Many of the citrus trees in the greenhouse are now producing their second flush of new leaves.  Therefore, this week I have been spraying the new leaves using a one percent horticultural oil solution (ultra pure paraffin oil ).  Aphids, thrip, mealy bug, etc. really target new growth.  If these insects are not controlled they feed on  the new leaves which causes them to become all gnarled and twisted, and they will stay that way through their life span..  The trees are sprayed at dusk every three days or so until the new growth becomes somewhat mature.   The product used is called Ultra Pure Horticultural Oil. All good horticultural oils are safe to plants, pets, and humans, due to their being completely non-toxic.  Horticultural oils are even approved for use by organic growers.  The oil  coats the insect causing it to suffocate, because the insects breathe through their skin.  Actually, horticulture oils is all I use year around for any insect outbreak. They work well.   - Millet.  . 

[Tom]

I agree but must add do not use oil in hot temps.  I think the label usually says don't spray if temps in excess of 90* F are expected. Horticultural Oil at 1% is excellent and will help clean up sooty mold too. Tom

[Lory]

Have you got any experience using neem tree oil other than Horticultural Oil?
I tried to use a water extract of neem tree leaves but with poor results.....

[Tropheus76]

Neem works great, but you have to use pure neem oil not extract. Also dont use it above 85 degrees which means no oils in my area of Florida until november time frame.

[Lory]

Thanks very much for your suggestion.
What about temperature you mean the maximum day-temperature or the average one?
I could spray it here just in evening time since the temperature is quite always ranging betwen 80 and 90 *F  ( 26-32 °C)
What concentration would you suggest me for the dilution of the neem tree oil?
Do you add any surfactant ?
Thanks again

[Tropheus76]

I use
http://www.amazon.com/Dyna-Gro-Pure-Natural-Polish-Ounces/dp/B0012BGXVQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1440374784&sr=8-7&keywords=neem+oil

with any kind of insecticidal soap. I wouldnt use too much dish detergent. It has the amount of water to soap to neem. If I remember right for my 4 gallon sprayer its 8 spoons of neem, 4 soap and the rest water. We really didnt have a spring this year and went straight from winter to summer so I never got a chance to use it.

[Lory]

Thanks again!! 

[Tom]

Some people don't like the smell of Neem oil. It's kind of stinky. Tom

[Lory]

Haha, it's not a big issue to me!
You should try with fresh leaves water extract, after some days it smells really foul