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Debug is actually quite a bit more than a Botanical Insecticide, as it is in fact an all-in-one insecticide, miticide, nematicide, and fungicide, designed to save you time and provide maximum application flexibility with short re-entry and pre-harvest intervals. With the killing power of Neem Oil and the complex modes of action of Azadirachtin, the products in the Debug lineup kill and control insect populations quickly and effectively.

Affecting pests at all life stages, Debug protects over 200 species of plants, trees, and crops from a wide variety of pests. Debug is OMRI and NOP listed for organic growing and production.

Mycorrhizal Applications is now offering two formulations of the Debug botanical pest and disease control products: Debug Turbo and Debug Trés

Debug Turbo contains 0.7% Azadirachtin and 65.8% Neem Oil

  • Available in Quart Bottles or Gallon Jugs.

Debug Trés contains 3.0% Azadirachtin and 4.7% Neem Oil

  • Available in Gallon Jugs.

Neem Information:

Neem is an evergreen tree found in dry, tropical areas and has been used for centuries as a natural pesticide. Neem oil and Azadirachtin are derived from Neem tree seeds. Azadirachtin is a botanical compound in neem oil and the active ingredient that really makes it an effective organic pesticide. Azadirachtin works as an insecticide, antifeedant, repellent, sterilizer, and insect growth regulator and can also slow or cease insect egg production. Neem oil also works well as a fungicide, miticide, and nematicide.

Neem Fruits:

Processing of Neem Seeds:

How it Works:

With active ingredients derived from Neem tree seeds, Debug protects plants in many ways, by killing many target pest insects and protecting against several plant diseases.  Azadirachtin works as an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR), feeding suppressant, and sterilant (interfering with insect reproduction).  These IGR modes of action can take some time to kill the target pests and are most effective against the early instars or growth phases of insects, as it prevents molting (therefore is most effective in the early growth phases or instars of insects).  Neem Oil effectively coats and suffocates insects (during any growth phase) and has an immediate effect on the insects’ ability to cause any further crop damage.  These two ingredients are derived from the same source, and they work ideally when used in tandem, as there is a synergistic effect between the Azadirachtin and Neem Oil leading to better performance than either active ingredient can achieve when utilized alone.

Debug contains more than just Neem oil or Azadirachtin alone but both, including a multitude of botanically derived triterpenoids and other compounds that enhance its effectiveness. Research has shown that pesticides containing Azadirachtin alone are less effective and prone to:

  1. UV degradation
  2. Oxidation
  3. Pest immunity/resistance

In short, when compared with Azadirachtin-only insecticides, the Debug formulations are more stable, last longer, and help to ensure targeted pests do not develop immunity.

Target Crops:

Debug products are labeled for use on more than 200 plant and crop species.

Ornamentals & Greenhouse crops, including but not limited to: Roses, Chrysanthemums, Poinsettias, Lilies, Geraniums, Daisies, Carnations, Salvias, Dahlias, and many more…

Herbs & Spices, including but not limited to: Mints, Anise, Basil, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Marigold, Sage, and Thyme.

Nuts, including but not limited to: Almonds, Pecans, Pistachios, Cashews, Chestnuts, Macadamia, Hazelnuts, Brazil Nuts, Water Chestnuts, and Walnuts.

Agriculture crops, including but not limited to: Hemp, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Eggplant, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Lettuce, Kale, Parsley, Onions, Garlic, Shallots, Leeks, Chard, Collard, Mushrooms, Chicory, Mustard Greens, Okra, Asparagus, Squashes, Arugula, and Spinach.

Fruits, including but not limited to: Citrus, Lemons, Oranges, Grapefruits, Apples, Plums, Peaches, Apricots, Avocados, Figs, Prunes, Nectarines, Pears, Mangoes, Cherries, Kiwifruit, Kumquats, Watermelons, Pumpkins, Blackberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Gooseberries, Raspberries, Cranberries, and Melons.

Target Pests:

Debug is effective against a large array of insect pests and other disease-causing vectors, including but not limited to:

Aphids, Armyworms, Fall Armyworms, Beetles, Beanleaf, Beetles, Cucumber Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Beetles, Colorado Potato Beetles, Potato Flea Beetles, Corn beetles, Flea Beetles, Borers, Budworms, Casebearers, Caterpillars, Codling Moth Fruit Flies, Gnats, Fungus Gnats, Grasshoppers, Grubs Leaf Hoppers, Leaf Perforators, Leafminers, Leafrollers, Loopers, Cabbage loopers, Lygus Bug Maggots, Onion Maggots, Mealybugs, Mildew, Rust and Powdery Mildew, Mites, Two Spotted Spidermites, Pacific Spider Mites, Moths, Diamondback Moths, Gypsy Moths, Grape Berry Moths, Nematodes Orange Totrix, Phylloxera, Phythium, Psylla, Psyllids Rhizoctonia Solani Scales, San Jose Scale, Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum Sclerotium Rolfsii Sharpshooters, Sucker Ants Thrips Weevils, Pepper Weevils, Boll weevils Whiteflies, Worms, Wireworms, Webworms, Budworms, Alfalfa Worms, Boll Worms, Pickle Worms, Eumeta crameri, Root Worms, Ear Worms, Cut Worms, and many more.

Which formulation to choose?

The major difference between Debug Turbo and Debug Trés is the proportion of Azadirachtin (the main insecticidal active ingredient) and Neem Oil (which coats and suffocates insects).  In certain circumstances, such as in a Greenhouse environment with high temperatures, the Debug Trés formulation is advantageous, as the lower levels of Neem Oil are less likely to cause any phytotoxicity, while still having the potent effects of the Azadirachtin to control pest insects. As a rule of thumb, if temperatures are expected to be 90oF or more, Debug Tres is the safest option.  If temperatures are not expected to exceed 90oF, Debug Turbo is an ideal option, as it can be more effective against both the young immature insects and the adults due to the higher levels of Neem Oil.

Pro Tip: Mixing Debug with an organic Pyrethrin Insecticide such as PyGanic is an excellent and effective method of insect pest control as well, by adding in yet another complex mode of insect killing and flushing action.

Article by: Graham Hetland

Mycorrhizal Applications – Product and Communications Manager

November 8, 2022