What is the difference between pyrethrins , pyrethrum and pyrethroids ?
A. The terms “pyrethrins” and “pyrethrum” both refer to the naturally occurring compounds which are derived from the extract of chrysanthemum-like flowers. Pyrethrins is the name given to the six distinct insecticidal compounds extracted from these flowers. Pyrethrum is the name used to describe the same compounds, but in general terms. Pyrethroid refers to synthetic, man-made insecticides with chemical structures generally similar to “pyrethrins”. Pyrethroids have characteristics which make them significantly different from pyrethrum. Since they are synthetic, pyrethroids are not allowed for use in organic production.
