Rotenone, << ROH tuh nohn, >> is a poisonous substance taken from the root of the derris and cube plants. It is frequently used in garden sprays because it is poisonous to cold-blooded creatures, but is fairly harmless to warm-blooded animals. Vegetable farmers often use rotenone because this poison kills insects but will not harm the people who may later eat the vegetables.
Rotenone is commonly used in home gardens. It is also used to control animal parasites, including cattle grubs in dairy cattle, and fleas, lice, and ticks. It is used in fruit sprays to control certain pests.
Indians in South America use crushed cube roots to catch fish. Although the rotenone in the roots kills the fish, the Indians can safely eat them.
