Oils and Soap

• Organic oil sprays smother insects and eggs before eggs hatch. Frugal-minded gardeners can make their own oil-based insecticidal sprays using soap, mineral oil and water.
  
  

Organic Fungicides

• Organic horticultural oils made from pyrethrum and neem seed extract provide the most effective control for some insects that infest the pear and apple tree. Ideal application time is before eggs hatch. These contact products poison internal tissues and prevent proper hatching and molting. Several applications of these products are necessary.
  
  

Buying and Locating Trees

• Organic oil sprays for fruit trees have not reached the point of development now often expected from organic fertilizers. Control measures should concentrate on diseases which can devastate the crop, such as apple scab and powdery mildew. Insect and disease problems are lessened by purchasing resistant trees and planting in a proper location. Proper pruning of infested branches can minimize future problems.