Subject: Re: insecticidal soap
From: "Bill Robinson" <roseguy@flash.net>
Organization: Flashnet Communications, http://www.flash.net
Date: 22 Aug 1997 16:30:17 GMT
Message-ID: <MOD$970822.29022@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$970822.18666@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



Cheryl wrote,

> I wonder if anyone could tell me what is considered "organic". I use
> Safer's insecticidal soap, with just pyrethrins. That, I know, is
> considered organic. But what about the other stuff... the ins. soap that
> also has the other thing in it, I think it's piperonyl butoxide? Well,
> another company, Concern, makes this. Is it also okay for organic
> gardeners?
The practical answer to your question would be that pyrethrin is
appropriate
in an organic gardening program because it is a relatively safe material to
use
and because it is environmentally friendly. Piperonyl butoxide, on the
other
hand, is relatively toxic and could not be considered as environmentally
friendly. The Organic Crop Growers Improvement Association's International
Certification Standards specifically prohibits the use of piperonyl
butoxide
on certified crops.

See Appendix A of the FAQ at:

htp://sunSITE.unc.edu/InterGarden/rge/gaqs/faqhome.htm