Rotenone (RTN)

Rotenone is an odourless, colourless, crystalline ketonic chemical compound used as a broad-spectrum insecticide, piscicide, and pesticide. It occurs naturally in the seeds and stems of several plants, such as the jicama vine plant; and the roots of several members of Fabaceae. Rotenone is used as a pesticide, insecticide, and as a nonselective piscicide (fish killer). It is commercialized as cubé, tuba, or derris, in single preparation or in synergistic combination with other insecticides.Rotenone has historically been used by indigenous peoples to catch fish. Typically, rotenone-containing plants in the Fabaceae family of legumes are crushed and introduced into a body of water, and as rotenone interferes with cellular respiration, the affected fish rise to the surface in an attempt to gulp air, where they are more easily caught.