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.

Pyrethrum: the Natural Insecticide covers the papers presented at the 1972 ""International Symposium on Recent Advances with Pyrethrum the Natural Insecticide"" held in conjunction with the American Institute of Biological Sciences Silver Anniversary Meeting at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. It deals with all aspects of pyrethrum, including its history, production, chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, and agricultural applications. The introductory part addresses the early history of pyrethrum, its recognition as a modern insecticide, and its worldwide production. The chemistry and biochemistry parts discuss the composition, isolation, structure, synthesis, biosynthesis, metabolism, and action on enzyme systems of natural pyrethrins extracted from pyrethrum flower. The book also examines the toxicology of pyrethrum and its constituents to mammals, fish, and wildlife, as well as tests for possible teratogenic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and allergenic activities. Finally, it discusses the domestic and agricultural applications of pyrethrum. Considering its desirable features, researchers find pyrethrum unsurpassed by any type of synthetic organic insecticide and even by the best synthetic analogs or pyrethroids.

Piperonyl Butoxide contains 20 chapters contributed by world experts in the field on the properties, uses, plant metabolism, and mammalian and environmental toxicology of piperonyl butoxide. The mode of action of piperonyl butoxide is discussed as well as many other specialist topics, including the measurement of synergism in the laboratory, and the potential use of this chemical alone for the control of whiteflies, as well as with insect growth regulators. This book will prove to be a valuable reference for all concerned with the designing of safe and cost-effective insecticide formulations, particularly those used in the home, industry, or on or near animals and food.