abstract
Neem-based products including traditional preparations and formulations have been used extensively
for the control of insect pests attacking agricultural crops. Content of phytochemicals extracted from
different parts of the neem plant varies considerably due to abiotic and biotic factors from collection of
the raw material to extract preparation and product formulation. Likewise, effectiveness of crude or
synthesized material used in the field or laboratory may be influenced by storage conditions, content of
active ingredient (especially azadirachtin), insect species and its growth stage, type of formulation and
synergism of products with other control measures. In this paper, the direct and indirect actions of neem
phytochemicals on insect pests are described and practical implications for future pest control strategies
are discussed.