Pyrethrin from Dalmatian pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch. Bip.): biosynthesis, biological activity, methods of extraction and determination

Pyrethrin is a potent biopesticide, a natural mixture of six compounds (pyrethrin I and II, cinerin I and II, and jasmolin I and II), biosynthesized in plants of Dalmatian pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium/Trevir./Sch. Bip.), a species endemic to the eastern Adriatic coast, but grown worldwide. Not many known natural insecticides encompass such superior qualities as pyrethrin—very high efficacy against a broad spectrum of pests in combination with minor adverse effects on human health and the environment. In previous decades, pyrethrin was largely replaced by its synthetic derivatives, pyrethroids. However, due to their harmful effects on various species and ecosystems, the use of pyrethrin should again take the lead. This review summarizes one century (1920–2020) of research on the properties and use of pyrethrum as a source of pyrethrins. The primary focus is on presenting its current advantages and disadvantages, toxicity on target and non-target species, biosynthesis, factors that influence the pyrethrins content in pyrethrum, comparison of different methods of their extraction and determination ; as well as its production potential and development of new products. The final goal is to present possible approaches to improve and enhance the use of this highly effective but still underused phytochemical insecticide with unique properties.