Why should I use Eco-Oil?
Eco-Oil was developed from a need by the protected environment industry for a safe and effective way to control two of its most common insect pests, Two-spotted mites and Aphids. It was also developed from a request by this industry for a "soft" insecticide which compliments Integrated Pest Management Systems.
Eco-Oil is not designed to be the "New Millennium" insecticide, but rather a key resource to be used in a sound IPM program.

How Effective is Eco-Oil?

How does Eco-Oil work?
Eco-Oil has three modes of action.

1. The blend of essential oils that make up Eco-Oil are very effective penetrants. Eco-Oil penetrates the exo-skeleton (skin) of mites and aphids, blocking their ability to breathe effectively. This causes death via suffocation.

2. The protective "waxy" cuticle (thin protective membrane) of insects and their eggs is denatured by the oils and surfactants in Eco-Oil. This causes dehydration and eventual death.

3. Eco-Oil also acts as a minor insect repellent on leaf surfaces, this reduces the chances of pest re-infestation.
Due to Eco-Oil's contact mode of action it can be classified as a "knock-down" insecticide; it has no "systemic" activity. However, Eco-Oil has some residual activity due to its repellent effects and ovicidal action (dehydration & smothering of eggs).

Will insect pests become resistant to Eco-Oil?
Due to the physical modes of action of Eco-Oil, the potential for resistance from overuse of the product will not occur. Hence it will assist growers to control any mites or aphids that express resistance to current and future chemistry.

How do I apply Eco-Oil?
Eco-Oil should be applied in a preventative manner within an IPM system every 14 days. This suppresses mite populations to levels where predatory insects can be most effective. If mite population "flare-up" occurs, apply Eco-Oil at the higher rate twice within 3-5 days (check label for further details).

Eco-Oil can be applied with any type of spraying equipment. However, it is important that good coverage is achieved. For maximum efficacy against Two-spotted mites, spraying of underside leaves is recommended. Due to the aerial movement of adult aphids further applications of Eco-Oil may be needed for effective control. ULV fogging machines are not recommended with Eco-Oil due to the lack of oil making contact with the target insect.

Will Eco-Oil "burn" my plants?
Eco-Oil is based on botanical oils, therefore "burn" potential with Eco-Oil is low. Tests have been conducted on a range of plant species and only Maidenhair fern showed commercially unacceptable "burn". However, as with all sprays due care must be taken as to dose rates and spraying frequency.

How safe is Eco-Oil to me and my staff?
Eco-Oil is completely harmless when used on its own. There are no withholding periods, or re-entry restrictions. However, with this in mind it is important to observe Work Cover guidelines when applying any sprays.

How does Eco-Oil fit into my current IPM program & spraying schedule?
Eco-Oil is safe to most beneficial insects. It has been tested on predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) and found to be safe to all life stages. However, some side effects to P.persimilis predacity for TSM egg and P.persimilis egg laying rates was noted. With this in mind, wherever possible, the release of P.persimilis should be delayed 7 days after an Eco-Oil application.

Directions for use

How compatible is Eco-Oil?
Do not mix Eco-Oil within 10 days of a Delan™, Bravo™ or Bordeaux application. Do not mix Eco-Oil with Euparen™ or use Eco-Oil within 10 days of Euparen™ application. Eco-Oil can be mixed with most of the commonly used horticultural sprays, including fungicides, insecticides and foliar nutrients. However, it is important to adhere to the recommendations on the manufacturers' label. There is no need for the addition of "wetters" or "stickers" when Eco-Oil is added to the spray.

Can Eco-Oil be used with other OCP products?
During the development phase of Eco-Oil a number of evaluators started on a program of using Eco-Oil in combination with a seaweed extract (Acadian SSE) and an amino-acid based biostimulant (Aminogro). It was observed that the use of these two products in combination with Eco-Oil have produced very healthy plants with minimal infestation of a range of insect pests and fungal diseases. This is due to the natural defence mechanisms a healthy plant employs to minimise attack from pests and diseases and also the effect of Eco-Oil.

Is Eco-Oil made in Australia?
Eco-Oil is made in Australia from 100% Australian raw materials, of which most originate from the rural sector. Eco-Oil has been fully researched and developed in Australia by a 100% Australian owned company.