Question

Which one of the following plant secondary metabolites is a natural insecticide?
(A) Digitoxin (B) Pyrethrin (C) Salicylic acid (D) Avenacin A-1

Answer 1

Pyrethrin is the secondary metabolite which is a potent insecticide, it also functions as an insect repellant at lower concentrations.

Answer 2

The plant metabolites which is a natural insecticide is (B) Pyrethrin

Pyrethrins are pesticides found naturally in some chrysanthemum flowers. They are a mixture of six chemicals that are toxic to insects. Pyrethrins excite the nervous system of insects that touch or eat it. This quickly leads to paralysis and ultimately their death. Pyrethrins are commonly used to control mosquitoes, fleas, flies, moths, ants, and many other pests. Pyrethrins are generally separated from the flowers. However, they typically contain impurities from the flower. Whole, crushed flowers are known as pyrethrum powder.