Spinosad
Spinosad
Spinosad (pronounced /ˈspaɪnəsæd/) is a natural substance made by a soil bacterium that can be toxic to insects. It is a mixture of two chemicals called spinosyn A and spinosyn D. It is used to control a wide variety of pests.
Etymology
The term "Spinosad" is derived from the bacterium's scientific name, Saccharopolyspora spinosa. The bacterium was first discovered in the soil of an abandoned rum distillery in 1982. The "-ad" suffix indicates that it is a substance derived from the bacterium.
Usage
Spinosad is used in agriculture and home gardening. It is a common ingredient in insecticides due to its ability to control a wide variety of pests, including leafminers, thrips, fruit flies, fleas, and others. It works by causing the insect's nervous system to become overactive, leading to paralysis and death.
Safety and Environmental Impact
Spinosad is considered a natural product, thus it is approved for use in organic farming. It is also considered safe for humans and pets. However, it can be toxic to some beneficial insects and aquatic life. Therefore, care should be taken to apply it only in targeted areas and avoid runoff into water bodies.
Related Terms
- Insecticide: A substance used for killing insects.
- Saccharopolyspora spinosa: The bacterium from which Spinosad is derived.
- Organic farming: A method of farming that avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
- Pesticide: A substance used to kill, repel, or control certain forms of plant or animal life that are harmful to humans or desirable plants and animals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spinosad
- Wikipedia's article - Spinosad
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