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Neem A Tree for Solving Global Problems (1992) / Chapter Skim
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3 The Tree
Pages 23-30

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From page 23...
... The short, usually straight trunk has a moderately thick, strongly furrowed bark. The roots penetrate the soil deeply, at least where the site permits, and, particularly when injured, they produce suckers.
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From page 25...
... (The leaves also contain pesticidal ingredients, but as a rule they are much less effective than those of the seed.) A neem tree normally begins bearing fruit after 3-5 years, becomes fully productive in 10 years, and from then on can produce up to 50 kg of fruits annually.
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From page 26...
... However, it generally performs best in areas with annual rainfalls of 40~1,200 mm. It thrives under the hottest conditions, where maximum shade temperature may soar past 50°C, but it will not withstand freezing or extended cold.
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From page 27...
... Animals like the fleshy outer part, but the seed in the center is the source of the ingredients people use most.
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From page 28...
... Pests By and large, most neem trees are reputed to be remarkably pest free; however, in Nigeria 14 insect species and 1 parasitic plant have been recorded as pests.3 Few of the attacks were serious' and the trees almost invariably recovered, although their growth and branching may have been affected.
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From page 29...
... ; · The tortncid moth Adoxophyes aurata (attacks leaves in Asia including Papua New Guinea) ; · The bug Helopeltis theivora (considered a serious neem pest in southern India)
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From page 30...
... Seedlings regenerating beneath stands of neem are sensitive to sudden exposure to intense sunlight. Thus, clear-felling neem trees normally produces a massive seedling kill, especially if the seedlings are small.9 In some localities rats and porcupines kill young trees by gnawing the bark around the base.
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Key Terms

  • neem leaves
  • repeated lopping
  • sweet pulp
  • mature trees
  • scale insects

  • available goats
  • including pakistan
  • southern tip
  • south india
  • leaf tip

  • using seeds
  • dry zone
  • asian tree
  • regenerating beneath
  • moth adoxophyes

  • extended cold
  • neem tree
  • quickly cut
  • fruit bats
  • adoxophyes aurata

  • acceptable germinative
  • favorable site
  • percent protein
  • potassium deficiency
  • exact origin

  • leguminous leaves
  • seedlings outright
  • attacks neem
  • neem pest
  • aonidiella orientalis


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