Pyrethrum Flowers: Production, Chemistry, Toxicology, and Uses

For over 160 years, pyrethrum has been safely and effectively used as a pesticide the world over. The flowers of this daisy, which contain a mixture of pleasant-smelling esters called the pyrethrins, have highly unusual insecticidal properties. Unique in their ability to repel most insect pests while posing virtually no threat to the environment, pyrethrins have been the subject of great interest to a wide variety of scientists. This book presents for the first time in over twenty years an in-depth look at the many issues surrounding the use of pyrethrins. John E. Casida, a world-renowned authority on the subject, has assembled a group of distinguished contributors to discuss topics ranging from the relationship between pyrethrum and synthetic pyrethroids to cultivation to metabolism to mammalian and environmental toxicology. Along the way, the history of pyrethrum flowers and pyrethrins, the chemistry of active pyrethrin ingredients, the mode of action and resistance, the control of pests, and residues and tolerances are also expertly treated. As safety aspects of pesticides are reevaluated with regard to current regulatory, social, and political implications, pyrethrum has increasingly been seen as the prototype for safe, natural pesticides. Engaging and profusely illustrated, Pyrethrum Flowers is the perfect introduction to the most important natural botanical pesticide. It will appeal to all scientists concerned with pesticides, including botanists, geneticists, biochemists, entomologists, and ecologists.