Pyrethrum

What Does Pyrethrum Mean?

Pyrethrum is a naturally derived pesticide extracted from several different types of Chrysanthemum flowers. The extract is comprised of pyrethrins, which is often listed as the active ingredient on several different formulations of commercially available pesticides.

Pyrethrum is technically the order of the plant family that includes chrysanthemums, however, the term is most often used in reference to its use as a pesticide.

Maximum Yield Explains Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum has proven to be one of the most effective and diverse pesticides. It’s used for everything from treating common garden pests to the treatment of poultry or cattle as a relief for fleas or flies. Because it is safe for humans and animals, pyrethrum is often referred to as “nature’s insecticide.”

Pyrethrum is one of the most widely used insecticides on the market. It’s valuable in the garden for eliminating almost any pest. For example, it’s used to treat cucumber beetle, ear worm, and even thrips.

Pyrethrum is considered a broad-spectrum insecticide. This means that it will kill any beneficial insects along with the plant predators. When insects make contact with pyrethrum, it shuts down their nervous system and leads to death in the insect. Pyrethrum is considered an effective alternative to many harsh, man-made chemical pesticides on the market. They are suitable for use on consumable crops.

As a biological insecticide, pyrethrum products are short-lived in the environment. As such, they are an approved product for organic production as long as they do not contain any other ingredients that are not also approved for organics. Because they do not persist on plants for long, they are often safely used up until the day of harvest.

It’s not all that uncommon for pesticides to originate from a natural state and therefore be deemed organic, but even organic pesticides can be potent chemicals, nonetheless. Pyrethrum is no exception. There is some controversy and debate on pyrethrum regarding whether or not it can be authorized for use as an organic pesticide. It’s important to note that although pyrethrum is derived from a natural source, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t toxic to its environment in large amounts.

Pyrethrum joins a growing list of organic pesticides being used in cannabis grow rooms. Other options growers use are neem oil, insecticidal soaps, integrated pest management, and certain strains of beneficial bacteria.

As marijuana is not a crop that can be certified as organic, there is no requirement for the use of pyrethrum. However, many growers who wish to keep their product free from harsh chemicals will use pyrethrum to control several different types of insect pests that may appear in the grow room.

Synthetic pyrethrins are known as pyrethroids. These man-made versions persist much longer on the plants and therefore pests are more likely to come in to contact with it over time compared to the naturally occurring pyrethrum. Pyrethroids are not allowed for organic production and as such many cannabis growers avoid its use.