What type of pesticides do pyrethrum and rotenone belong to?

Pyrethrum and rotenone are classified as natural pesticides because they are derived from natural sources. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of certain chrysanthemums, while rotenone is extracted from the roots of plants in the Fabaceae family, particularly from the Derris and Lonchocarpus species. Both of these substances are used for their insecticidal properties and are considered environmentally friendly compared to synthetic pesticides, as they break down more quickly and have less impact on non-target organisms when used appropriately.

In contrast, inorganic pesticides are typically mineral-based compounds, petroleum compounds are derived from oil, and organophosphates are synthetic chemicals that inhibit the activity of certain enzymes in insects. These categories do not apply to pyrethrum and rotenone, reinforcing the classification of these compounds as natural pesticides.