Yes, you can use olive oil as an alternative to sunflower or canola oil when making white oil for plants, although sunflower and canola are often recommended.
White oil is a horticultural oil used to control various pests on plants by suffocating them. It's typically made by emulsifying oil in water with a surfactant, such as dish soap. While sunflower and canola oils are commonly used, other oils, including olive oil, can also be effective.
Here's what you should consider when using olive oil:
- Type of Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil may be more expensive than necessary for this purpose. A lighter, more refined olive oil, or even pomace olive oil, might be a more economical option.
- Emulsification: Ensure the olive oil emulsifies properly with the water and soap mixture. Proper emulsification is crucial for the oil to disperse evenly and effectively coat the pests. Shake the mixture vigorously. If the oil and water separate quickly, you may need to adjust the amount of soap or try a different type of soap.
- Phytotoxicity: Always test the white oil on a small area of the plant before applying it extensively, as some plants may be sensitive to oil sprays (phytotoxicity). Look for signs of leaf damage or discoloration in the test area over a few days.
- Application: Apply the white oil spray in the early morning or late evening to avoid direct sunlight, which can increase the risk of leaf burn. Avoid spraying when temperatures are very high.
- Recipe: A common recipe involves mixing oil, water, and dish soap. For example, a concentrated mixture can be one cup of dishwashing detergent with two cups of oil (such as olive oil), thoroughly shaken until white. Dilute this concentrate with water before spraying plants. A typical dilution is about 2 tablespoons of the concentrate per liter of water.
In summary, while olive oil can be used, it's important to choose a suitable type of olive oil, ensure proper emulsification, and test for phytotoxicity before widespread application.
