Question

The plant pesticide pyrethrum is obtained from
A. Cinchona officinalis
B. Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium
C. Chrysophyllum cainito
D. Cannabis sativa
D. Cicer arietinum

Answer 1

Hint: Most of the world's supply of pyrethrum from Kenya, which produces the most potent flowers of this plant. Pyrethrum concentration has been shown to increase as elevation increases to this level.

Complete Answer:
Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide which is derived from African Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium flowers. They are perennial plants with a daisy-like appearance and white flowers. The flowers possess insecticidal properties. Pyrethrum has been used for a long time as an insecticide and as a lice remedy. Because it can decompose quickly, pyrethrum has been approved for a wide range of indoor and outdoor uses.

So, the correct answer is option (B) i.e., Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.

Additional information:
Benefits of using Pyrethrum in organic grade:
Pyrethrum is an insecticide which can kill a wide range of insect pests including ants, mosquitoes, moths, flies and fleas. Pyrethrum kills off insects almost instantly upon contact. However, one should be careful not to use this insecticide product too much – take care to avoid using beneficial insects such as ladybugs and honey bees.

How is Pyrethrum produced?
The compound is extracted from the chrysanthemum plant and then processed into an insecticide for use in gardening and pest control. Generally, the chrysanthemum flowers are dried and then crushed into a powder. This powder is then further processed into a liquid form to use as a spray.

Note: Pyrethrum is gradually replacing organophosphates and organochlorines as the pesticides of choice. It is because the latter compounds have been shown to have significant and persistent toxic effects to humans.