THE Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
has formulated quality specifications for
neem-based pesticides as no specific
quality control standards had hitherto
been fixed. The growing demand for the
ecofriendly pest control agents worldwide prompted them to come up with
the two new standards - is 14299:95
and is 14300:95. These standards were
designed for quality marking of pesticides containing neem extract concen-
trate and neem-based emulsifiable concentrate (EC) as effective pest-control
ingredient. The is 14299:95 specifies
that the formulation should comprise
azadirachtin content extricated from
neem seed kernel or depulped neem
seed and should assume a powder or
granular form, light to dark brown in
colour and of a repulsive odour.
Specifications have been made regarding nominal active ingredient content
and the manufacturers have to declare
them. Chemical properties including
acidity, alkalinity, aflatoxin content and
acetone- insoluble material have also
been specified in it. The is 14300 contains specifications for neem-based Ec
consisting of azadirachtin's physical
characteristics, parameters like cold test,
flash point, emulsion stability and heat
stability.
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