1. THE BRITISH INVENTION SHOWS 2004. Alexandra Palace, 21-24 October 2004. London, UK.
ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY BIO-PESTICIDE FROM LOCAL
PLANT SPECIES (Derris elliptica)
1
S. I., Zubairi*, 1M. R., Sarmidi, 1R. A., Aziz, 2M. K. A., Ramli
1
Chemical Engineering Pilot Plant,
Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering,
81310 UTM Skudai, Johor Darul Takzim.
2
Heritage Biotech (M) Sdn. Bhd, c/o Chemical Engineering Pilot Plant,
Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering,
81310 UTM Skudai, Johor Darul Takzim.
Tel.: +607-5532595
Fax: +607-5569706
e-mail: saiful@cepp.utm.my, saiful-z@utm.my
ABSTRACT
Malaysia is embarking on developing its agro-business on the third engine of growth and to provide food
security for the country. The need for agrochemical especially pesticide is expected to increase. The pest
control in the country at present mainly relied on toxic chemical pesticides. The conventional pesticides are
often toxic to mammals, non-target pest and persist in the environment as recalcitrant. Therefore, the search
for bio-active substance which have satisfactory properties that is effective on the target pest, economic all
viable and biodegradable is great importance. There is a steadily growing interest in using compounds with
pesticide activity from the plant sources. For example rotenone compound from a plant belonging to the
Derris elliptica family has been proven as potent as many conventional synthetic pesticide. Rotenone is
extracted from many tropical leguminocae such as Derris elliptica, Lonchocarpus nicou and Tephrosia
vogelii. Derris elliptica is widely available local plant, locally it is known as Tuba plant. Derris elliptica
contains 2.0 % (w/w) to 4.0 % (w/w) of active ingredient rotenone. This invention describes the extraction,
formulation and field efficacy test of rotenone for an environmental friendly and non toxic bio-pesticide.
The final product is design for water based and aerosol type applications, for agriculture and horticulture
sector. Rotenone is believed to be effective against Aphids, Thrips, Scale Insects, Mealbugs, Sectora
Nitens, Spider Mite and Caterpillars.
Keywords: Derris elliptica; rotenone; environmental friendly; bio-pesticide.