Pyrethrin I and II: Their insecticidal value and estimation in Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinebariaefolium). I

Abstract

1. (a) Pyrethrin I and II have been isolated by the method of Staudinger and Ruzicka from the insecticidal plant Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium). Both are shown to be highly toxic to the insectAphis rumicis.(b) Pyrethrin I was found to be the most toxic substance so far tested by us and, as it was about ten times as toxic to these insects as pyrethrin II, it is concluded that it is mainly responsible for the contact insecticidal value of pyrethrum.2. Two micro-analytical methods of determining the pyrethrin content are described, (a) By means of the acids after hydrolysis, (b) By means of the semicarbazone. They are given on pp. 278, 282.3. The analytical results obtained for a series of pyrethrum samples agreed with their observed insecticidal properties toAphis rumicis.4. Comparisons of the pyrethrin contents, as estimated, with the results of direct toxicity experiments both on the pyrethrum samples and the pure pyrethrins, confirm the validity of the analytical methods.5. There was a significant and positive correlation, in the samples tested, between the amounts of pyrethrin I and II.6. Insufficient data are available to show a significant correlation between the size of flower-heads and the content of poison, or to draw conclusions as to the effect of external conditions such as soil, weather or age of bed.