- The term Persian powder can also refer to a type of dry snow in theZagros Mountains.
Persian powderis aninsecticidepowder with naturalpyrethrinas the active agent. It is also known asPersian pellitory,insect powder[1]and internationally aspyrethrum.
Biological pest control
editPersian powder is agreen pesticidethat has been used for centuries for thebiological pest exterminationof householdinsects,garden pests,andagricultural pests.[2]It may first have been exported fromPersiatoAncient Rome.
Pyrethrinandpyrethroidsare used indoors, in gardens and thehorticultureindustry, and in agriculture.
It is produced from the powdered flowers of certain species ofpyrethrum,plants in the generaChrysanthemumandTanacetum.In more recent times it has had formulations with brand names such asZacherlin.[3]
Synthetic forms
editPyrethroidsare synthetic insecticides based on natural pyrethrum (pyrethrins), such aspermethrin.
A common formulation of pyrethrin is in preparations containing the synthetic chemicalpiperonyl butoxide:this has the effect of enhancing thetoxicityto insects and speeding the effects when compared with pyrethrins used alone. These formulations are known assynergized pyrethrins.
See also
editIn the novelAnna Karenina,the character Kitty used Persian powder to sanitize beds in an unclean hotel.
References
edit- ^Webster 1913 definition
- ^BioaromaticaThe history of pyrethrumArchived2010-03-24 at theWayback Machine
- ^US patent 308172,Johann Zacherl, "Pyrethrum Soap", issued 1884-11-18
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