32 MISC. PUB. 52 6, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 



A number of commercial preparations containing extracts of derris 

 or cube, with various spreaders added, are now available and are ready 

 for dilution with water. 



Derris or cube extracts should be kept in closed containers, and 

 sprays should be applied immediately after their preparation. These 

 sprays lose their effectiveness within a comparatively short time after 

 they are applied to plants. 



Properly packaged and stored ground roots- containing rotenone 

 do not deteriorate appreciably for several years, nor does any deteri- 

 oration occur when they are diluted with inert carriers like pyrophyl- 

 lite, neutral talc, or powdered plant products and placed in closed 

 containers in a dark, dry room. 



Caution. — Ground rotenone-bearing roots irritate the tender 

 skin and the mucous membranes. 



Restrictions on the Use of Rotenone in the Control of Insects 



Under date of April 13, 1942, the War Production Board issued 

 restrictions (Conservation Order M-133) on the use of rotenone-con- 

 taining insecticides in order to conserve supplies of these materials 

 which have been made scarce by war conditions. In accordance with 

 these restrictions, the rotenone-containing insecticides should not be 

 used against pests on eggplant, onions, peppers, squashes, pumpkins, 

 cucumbers, cantaloups, melons, and flowering plants. To control these 

 insects during the period of the war emergency, therefore, the alterna- 

 tive or substitute insecticides mentioned in this publication should be 

 used. 



On January 23, 1943, the Conservation Order M-133 dealing with 

 rotenone was amended. The amended order, which is quoted in part, 

 redefines rotenone ; places restrictions on delivery, use, production, and 

 packaging ; prescribes new forms and procedures for filing reports and 

 making application for allocations of materials ; and requires users to 

 report supplies. 



As used in this order, rotenone and rotenone insecticides are defined 

 as follows : 



(1) "Rotenone" means the active insecticidal ingredients of the roots of derris, 

 cube, barbasco, tuba, or timbo. The term includes : 



(i) "Crude rotenone" in the form of root or of root which has been dried, 

 broken, shredded, cut, or chipped ; 



(ii) "Processed rotenone" in the form of finely ground or powdered crude 

 rotenone; also in the form of liquid or solid extracts (or resins) obtained from 

 crude rotenone. 



(2) "Rotenone insecticide" means any compound containing rotenone combined 

 with other liquid or dry materials, whether active or inert; provided that such 

 compound is suitable for use as an insecticide. 



The order provides that no person shall use rotenone or any rotenone 

 insecticide except for one or more of the following purposes : 2 



(1) Use in the protection of the following food crops against the following 

 insects, or the manufacture of any preparation for such use : 

 (i) Peas — protection against the pea weevil and pea aphid, 

 (ii) Beans — protection against the Mexican bean beetle. 



2 Subsequent to this amendment the limitations on the use of rotenone were revised, and 

 other revisions may be made as larger supplies of rotenone become available. For up-to- 

 date information on the subject consult the War Food Administration, Office of Materials 

 and Facilities, Washington, D. C. 



