What is pyrethrin?
Pyrethrin refers to a class of organic compounds collectively known as pyrethrins that are derived from the parent chemical, pyrethrum. Although there are six major pyrethrins, the most common are a pair of esters distinguished from each other as pyrethrin I and pyrethrin II. Both of these pyrethrins possess a base cyclopropane molecular structure. However, pyrethrin I has one less oxygenated carbon molecule than pyrethrin II. Generally speaking, pyrethrin is the active constituent of the flowers of the pyrethrum plant, better known as chrysanthemum. A member of the daisy family, several related species are grown as perennial ornamentals. However, pyrethrin is obtained from either the Dalmatian chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium) or the Persian chrysanthemum (C. coccineum), also known as Painted Daisy. These two species are grown commercially to produce pyrethrin to be used as an insecticide. While other chrysanthemums also possess insecticidal properties, they are not as ef
Pyrethrin is a highly effective insecticide used for centuries against all types of insect pests. The active component of pyrethrin is a natural plant oil that occurs in the pyrethrum daisy, Tanacetum cinerariaefolium, a member of the chrysanthemum family. The oil is found mainly in tiny oil-containing glands on the surface of the seed case inside the tightly packed flower head. This oil is the plant’s own insecticide. Pyrethrin is made up of six complex chemical esters, known as pyrethrins, which work in combination to repel and kill insects. Pyrethroids are synthetic forms of pyrethrin, Type I and Type II, differing slightly in chemical structure. These compounds make a unique insecticide because they are relatively non-toxic to humans and warm blooded animals. In fact, they are considered to be one of the least poisonous insecticides to mammals. In mammals, pyrethrins are quickly broken down into inactive forms, and pass from the body quickly. Another benefit is that pyrethrin and p
